L to R: Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore, Chief Superintendent Ted Munro of Saskatchewan RCMP
The assistant Commissioner of the Saskatchewan RCMP says, “The reality of the situation is that crime continues to increase across Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction.” This is in response to Statistics Canada’s report which indicates Saskatchewan’s 2023 Crime Severity Index was the highest of all the provinces. Rhonda Blackmore adds though, that this is not from the lack of effort by police.
She explains that crime complexity has increased, gang activity is on the rise with gangs coming in from other provinces, mental health and addictions are taking a toll in some communities and there is an increase in intimidation of potential witnesses, so some people are afraid to come forward. She would like to see those who are arrested for a serious crime remain in jail, instead of being released while going through the courts. Blackmore says, “The justice system I think really needs to look at how they are addressing those individuals. When we have individuals who are charged with a serious crime and not held in jail, it is certainly intimidating for some of those witnesses.” With crime complexity, Blackmore gives the example of the Tiki Laverdiere homicide, which involved over 100 investigators and ten people charged, which was just one file and was resource-intensive.
In the last ten years in the Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction, the number of homicide victims has increased by 275 per cent and violent firearm offences increased by 271 per cent. Blackmore adds that Saskatchewan RCMP officers are responsible for 99.9 per cent of the province’s total area, polices 46 per cent of the population and responds to and investigates 60 per cent of the total Criminal Code violations. She believes a larger police presence is needed.
Blackmore also stated that the province has committed this year to funding the full complement of 1,047 officers. Right now, their current vacancy rate for positions is about 21 per cent. Along with jobs unfilled, this also includes those who are sick or injured or on maternity or paternity leave.
