An increase in violent crimes and firearms offences has Saskatchewan RCMP officers working harder than ever to keep the province safe.

According to annual crime statistics, last year there were approximately 600 more victims of violent crimes compared to 2023, and 6,700 more than 10 years ago, which is a 45 per cent increase.

In 2024, 21,907 individuals reported they were victims of violent crime. Of these victims, 62 per cent were assault cases, 25 per cent were from harassment or threats, and sexual assaults accounted for another 7 per cent. Firearms offences, robberies, and kidnappings accounted for the remaining 6 per cent.

Geographically, 51 per cent of total violent crimes were reported in the RCMP’s North District. The Central District accounted for 28 per cent, and the South District was home to the remaining 21 per cent.

There are not only more victims of violent crime reporting to Saskatchewan RCMP, but those victims are also experiencing more severe forms of violence. For example, since 2015, violent firearms offences have more than tripled, increasing from 140 reported incidents in 2015 to 493 in 2024. The North district accounted for 73 per cent of the total violent firearms offences in 2024.

Inspector Ashley St. Germaine, Senior Investigative Officer with the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Major Crimes Branch admits that “At the end of the day, we can’t police our way out of this rise in violence – a multi-faceted response is required. Saskatchewan RCMP continues to work with health partners, social services, and community stakeholders to combat the root causes of dangerous crime in the province and make it a safer place for all those who call it home.”