While the pandemic turned out lower rates of property crime, Okotoks RCMP responded to more reports of assault, domestic violence and mental health calls in 2020.
Staff Sgt. Zane Semeniuk reported statistics from the fourth quarter of the year with comparisons to 2019 and the five-year average, during the Okotoks council meeting on Feb. 22.
On the whole, he said the community is showing positive results.
“Overall, 2020 statistics showed an 18 per cent decrease in total offences when compared to 2019,” said Semeniuk.
However, he said there was an upward trend in persons crimes, with 47 per cent more calls from October to December 2020 compared to 2019.
Assault numbers rose to 33 during the fourth quarter compared to 22 during the same time period in 2019, though it showed a decline from the 36 assault calls in the third quarter of 2020.
There was a 25 per cent increase in the number of domestic violence calls in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to 2019, he said.
During the same period, the number of responses to mental health calls also increased by about nine per cent, he said.
“That all comes down to being COVID-related in the environment we are in and continue to move forward in,” said Semeniuk.
He said there are steps being taken at the regional level as well as the RCMP district level to develop more tools for detachments to access in handling increased mental health calls.
For now, it’s important to work with partners in health care and first response to ensure cases are being handled appropriately, he said.
“I know we’re currently looking at a team from the district perspective, so that would be another tool in the toolbox to be able to take those calls,” said Semeniuk.
While COVID-19 had a negative impact on personal crime stats and mental health, he said 2020 saw improved statistics in property crime levels.
There were 150 property-related calls in the fourth quarter, a decrease of about 10 per cent over the same period in 2019, he said. Calls were also lower than the third quarter of 2020, during which 190 property crime calls were received.
Year-over-year, property crime decreased 27 per cent, he said.
“This year with the COVID-19 pandemic people seem to be home more than ever,” said Semeniuk. “This has contributed to our property crime decreasing, and seeing persons crimes trend upwards.”
He said RCMP had expected property crime to rise in 2020.
“This was positive for our community and reinforces the promotion of enhanced visibility and community engagement,” said Semeniuk.
The 2021-2022 annual performance plan for the Okotoks RMCP is currently being developed with public consultation through the Town’s citizen panel, he said.
It will continue to work on the same principles as the previous year, he said.
“We look forward to building on the 2020-2021 plan, which included enhanced visibility, enhancing public confidence and engagement and crime reduction strategies,” said Semeniuk. “I believe we have a solid foundation in place to build and learn upon for moving forward as we continue on the path 2020 has led us on into 2021.”
