Acting-Staff Sgt. Josh Hallett said there are 27 positions filled and four vacancies. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

RCMP Update

Crime stats consistent for June, new detachment commander coming in August

Jul 30, 2020 | 12:13 PM

La Ronge RCMP Acting-Staff Sgt. Josh Hallett updated town council at a regular meeting Wednesday, which included statistics from June and the announcement of a new detachment commander.

There were 267 calls for service last month involving 79 crimes against property, 34 disturbing the peace or Liquor Act charges, 14 false alarms, 13 provincial traffic offenses, eight missing persons/request locate/wellbeing checks and six impaired driving investigations. Hallett noted those numbers are fairly consistent with June 2019, adding busy times continue to be between midnight and 4 a.m.

“It’s consistent throughout the summer, everyday it was the same,” Hallett said. “There really wasn’t one day that jumped out ahead of the other as far as crime stats.”

Hallett explained there are currently 27 positions filled at the La Ronge detachment and four vacancies. In August, Staff Sgt. Dean Bridle is expected to arrive in the community from Swift Current and take over commanding duties from Hallett. It’s been more than one year since La Ronge has been without a permanent commander as Staff Sgt. Kyle Watson left in 2019 to pursue a position in the district management team.

As of Aug. 4, the local detachment will also fully reopen to the public after reducing in-person services due to the coronavirus pandemic. More information will be released about the opening soon.

Health alerts

Sask NDP sound alarm over TB cases in northern Saskatchewan

5h ago

PYSANKY EASTER EGGS

"It's special to pass this on": Saskatchewan family celebrates Ukrainian Easter heritage

5h ago

Death Cafe

Death with a side of cake: Discussion group aims to open conversation about dying

5h ago

“We’ve been operating under some pretty strict guidelines as to who can come and go from the detachment,” Hallett said.

Staff Sgt. Kyle Watson left the detachment in 2019. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Hallett also provided an update about the enhanced policing contract for the Town of La Ronge, involving three officers who are required to spend at least 70 per cent of their time attending to municipal priorities. He said the officers have increased foot patrols along La Ronge Ave., participated in the Men of the North Sobriety Walk and continue to work on local investigations.

In June, those officers conducted seven foot patrols downtown and spent time visiting with owners or management of businesses in the area.

“They will remain in those positions until December, then they will be switched out and replaced with another three officers,” he said.

–

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno