The La Ronge RCMP detachment will soon have a new commander. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

crime

Slight increase in RCMP calls for service in La Ronge area

Jan 9, 2024 | 5:01 PM

There was a slight increase in crime in the La Ronge detachment policing area between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31.

That’s according to data from the La Ronge RCMP, which shows 2,859 calls for service during that time period compared to 2,801 calls during the same period in 2022. Property offence was the number one reason for calls at 674, followed by 398 calls for crimes such as robbery, assaults, sexual assaults, harassing phone calls, forcible confinement, uttering threats and weapons.

In addition, there were 227 calls for other criminal code offences, 137 for provincial traffic offences and 128 for liquor-related offences.

“Drugs and alcohol continue to be a concern for the La Ronge detachment with calls for service regularly seeing liquor-related offences or where alcohol is also a primary contributing factor in the criminal code offences that members deal with,” a quarterly report submitted to town council states.

“Public intoxication in La Ronge continues to be a visible problem that generates regular calls for service to deal with individuals in public spaces and in the downtown area.”

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The RCMP noted another area of concern is that alcohol seems to have an impact on mental health calls and mental health transports. Over the course of 2023, the La Ronge detachment dealt with 401 mental health related calls for service that on many occasions resulted in members being required to transport the individual to Prince Albert for assessment.

In 2023, the La Ronge detachment lodged 2,354 prisoners.

In the last three months, officers conducted 378 curfew checks and have laid 68 fail to comply charges on those who have not abided by the conditions they are on. The RCMP also added La Ronge Probations have implemented new electronic monitoring bracelets that have GPS capabilities and the ability to track where an individual is should they leave their designated residence.

Police are now able to track them as long as the battery is charged and the bracelet doesn’t get cut off. There is a high number of individuals who get released from custody, so it is hoped that this new technology can be utilized on a more regular basis.

“La Ronge detachment has now been running four watches since Oct. 12, which has allowed us to provide a better balance of coverage within the communities, however, resource pressures at Stanley Mission detachment has meant that La Ronge members have been providing regular relief to that community as well, which has an overall impact on the resources here in the tri-communities,” the report notes.

“The detachment still has two members, who are off for administrative reasons with an unknown return date, and one on light duties due to injury. Our GIS unit presently has two vacancies with one position being filled with an experienced member moving here from another north district detachment with an anticipated arrival in the new year.”

The report also adds the La Ronge RCMP detachment will soon have a new commander. Sgt. Dereck Eberle is currently in the process of the final stages of his promotion to staff sergeant. Staff Sgt. Dean Bridle, who has been in La Ronge for three years, has accepted a position with criminal operations in Regina.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com