Mischief among offences in Battleford

In presenting the quarterly policing report to Battleford town council Monday, Insp. John Sutherland of the RCMP said, "Overall things are generally down, which is a trend we're seeing across both communities, so that's good news."

There were a few categories that saw increases, he said, citing property offences, break and enters and person offences.

RCMP investigated 68 property offences in Battleford from April to June of this year as compared to 55 during the same time last year. However, said Sutherland, 41 of those 68 offences fell under the category of mischief, meaning to "damage or obstruct enjoyment of property." Typically, he said, these are issues such as intoxicated people in or outside of a residence.

Sutherland said RCMP members continue to be involved in the community, making regular visits to the schools and taking part in community activities such as the parade last week. Much of this work is done by members outside of their regular hours, he said. For example, he said, the member who led the Battleford parade was off shift.

He said he would like to acknowledge the work members and the detachment do to provide service to the community over and above their day-to-day duties.

Sutherland also provided the town with a document highlighting the Battlefords RCMP performance plan.

This is an annual undertaking, he said.

It is meant to address areas of concern related to crime within the community and to address the priorities in combating crime as identified by F Division HQ.

This year four priorities have been identified that Sutherland believes blend well with the interest of the RCMP's policing partners.

The priorities focus on healthier and safer aboriginal communities, increasing traffic safety, deterring serious and organized crime and implementing efficient and effective police practices.

Initiatives include RCMP-led community and school workshops regarding gang recruitment and prevention; deterring gangs and organized crime activities on First Nation communities; a review of the RCMP Rural Detachment shift schedule to reflect peak periods relating to call volumes, monthly traffic projects to capture provincial and criminal code traffic offences and media releases on traffic initiatives to increase community awareness.