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Crime Reduction Teams now fully operational in North Battleford, P.A.

Oct 22, 2018 | 10:12 AM

Two new full-time Crime Reduction Teams (CRTs) are now fully operational in the province. One is based in North Battleford, the other, Prince Albert. 

Supported by the province, the CRTs conduct “high-intensity, targeted enforcement” in crime “hot spots.” According to a news release from the Saskatchewan RCMP, the teams conduct intelligence-led policing that includes warrant executions, high-visibility traffic stops, tracking chronic offenders and tackling gang activity.

The teams were recently deployed in tandem in the North Battleford area from Sept. 29 to Oct. 3 and executed 18 arrest warrants. Twenty-seven arrests were made with 25 new charges laid. Over 40 traffic stops were made, resulting in four tickets, 21 warnings and 2 suspensions.

Each CRT is assembled 18 full-time positions, consisting of seven, full-time members along with one crime analyst and a support position.

“Communities, where the CRT has deployed, have told us the increased police presence was both visible and appreciated,” said Insp. Tammy Patterson, the officer in charge of the Crime Reduction and Crime Prevention Unit in a release. “People are noticing an impact and feel their communities are safer for it.”

The RCMP said the CRT is designed to enhance – not replace – the enforcement, investigation and community safety work done by detachments to ensure a coordinated response to rural crime.

In 2017, the Saskatchewan RCMP started conducting targeted enforcement initiatives to assist in addressing serious and violent crime. The positive results led to “F” Division conducting a three-month trial run from February through to April 2018. The continued positive results led to the decision to establish two, full-time CRTs.

 

cjnbnews@jpbg.ca

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