By battlefordsNOW Staff

New RCMP Crime Reduction Team established in the region

Jan 24, 2018 | 4:00 PM

Saskatchewan RCMP are establishing a Crime Reduction Team in the region, with specialized enforcement and investigative skills, after a recent successful redeployed of resources around the west-central areas of the province.

The decision to create the team was made after positive results were seen from RCMP being temporarily redeployed throughout the province. Officers provided targeted enforcement in response to community safety concerns in the Battlefords, Onion Lake and Turtleford.

Beacuse of that temporary redeployment and targeted enforcement, RCMP recently arrested 18 people and 24 criminal charges were laid on Jan. 19 and 20.

In a press release, RCMP said the team will provide targeting enforcement in the form of strategic, high visibility patrols, tracking prolific and chronic offenders, tackling street-gang related activity and executing arrest warrants.

Assistant Commissioner and Commanding Officer of F Division, Curtis Zablocki, said the new team will enhance the RCMP’s ongoing response to criminal activity.

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“This targeted, high-intensity approach to enforcement and investigation has proven effective in taking drugs, firearms and criminals off the streets of our Saskatchewan communities, making them safer,” Zablocki said.

The release added the team will focus on the west-central parts of Saskatchewan, but it’s members could be deployed anywhere throughout F division, which covers all of the province.

The rstatement added the public can expect to see an increase in police presence along with additional traffic stops and other enforcement activity.

According to the release, enforcement is only one aspect of building stronger and safer communities. There will also be a priority made to work closer with communities to address root causes of crime and develop longer-term solutions to ensure community safety.

Community leaders will continue to be consulted by RCMP to identify and address local concerns and develop effective crime reduction strategies.

Chief Wallace Fox of the Onion Lake Cree Nation was quoted in the release commending the RCMP for their efforts.

“On behalf of our leadership and community, we’re very grateful for the ongoing, positive working relationship with RCMP to continue to provide a safe community for our people.”

The RCMP also wanted the public to continue being a partner with officers in community safety initiatives. Police said it helps the RCMP when the resident’s become additional “eyes and ears” for them, as it creates safer neighborhoods for residents also.

greg.higgins@jpbg.ca

On Twitter @realgreghiggins