Here is a rundown of Battlefords RCMP detachment's activities of interest for the month of November, based on the detachment's monthly report to council compiled by acting detachment commander Sgt. Darcy Woolfitt and presented to council Monday.
The month saw RCMP respond to some serious incidents, but also some notable emergency situations including the rescue of a nine-year-old from the North Saskatchewan River as well as an aircraft fire at the Cameron McIntosh Airport.
The month was also highlighted by a notably high number of nuisance 911 calls that consumed the RCMP's time and resources.
Nov. 2 saw RCMP respond to a 911 call from a 12-year old who advised that children in the neighbourhood outside had given him the finger. Members were dispatched and spoke with the child about the proper use of 911 as this was not a police matter. Members also spoke with the mother of the neighbourhood children and requested all the children stay away from each other.
Nov. 3 saw officers respond to a call reporting an alleged stabbing. On arrival two male occupants of the residence refused to co-operate with police and did not display any injuries. A short time later members received a call about a 22-year-old male being treated for a suspected stab wound, and while it is believed this was related, the male would not co-operate in any manner with the police.
Nov. 6 saw the RCMP respond to a scary incident involving a young boy who was walking on the ice of the North Saskatchewan River. Upon arrival it was determined the child had fallen into the river. North Battleford Fire Department and WPD Ambulance also attended and the nine-year-old was rescued and taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. The child was eventually released from hospital.
Also that day RCMP received a complaint of possible drug paraphernalia in the middle of the street. Members found a round piece of scrap metal that they picked up and placed in the garbage.
Between Nov. 9 and 12 members received 12 calls related to nuisance or misuse of the 911 system, including a 911 call for assistance as a subject was looking for an address in town, and another 911 call by the same person to tell police she found the address.
Nov. 12 saw police receive a report of a gas and dash at 16 Highway Bypass. The subjects were located, spoken to and returned to settle the bill.
Nov. 13 saw members receive a call of a large number of vehicles and teenagers at a park in North Battleford. Members made patrols and discovered an old-fashioned snowball fight in progress.
Nov. 15 saw officers patrol an area of 103rd Street extensively for suspicious males in the area of 103rd Street checking out vehicles. No one was located and there were no further reports of related problems.
Nov. 22 saw the RCMP receive a report of a historical sexual assault. The matter is currently under investigation.
Also that date, members were advised of an engine fire to a plane at the airport, and members attended to assist NBFD. The fire was quickly put out.
Nov. 28 saw officers respond to perhaps the most serious incident of the month - a 911 call at a residence of a fight between two people involving a knife.
Two women, ages 22 and 28, were arrested. The 22-year-old faces charges of assaulting a police officer, possession of marijuana and resisting arrest. The 28-year old-faces charges of aggravated assault and assault with a weapon. The male victim suffered a large laceration on his neck and was treated and released from hospital, according to police. Police say the accused and the victim are known to one another.
Finally, officers responded on Nov. 30 to a call of a running water tap outside the Battlefords Trade and Education Centre building. The caller was apologetic, but did not know who else to call, according to police. An officer was dispatched and the tap turned off.
In the month of November there were approximately 103 occurrences involving intoxicated individuals creating issues in personal residences or in public that were dealt with by members.
Members logged a total of seven foot patrols in November of the detachment and the downtown core areas, as well as numerous vehicle patrols to ensure a visible downtown presence.
Overall, the high number of "frivolous 911 calls" reported was a concern for Councillor Ryan Bater, who asked if the detachment sought penalties for those calls. Sgt. Woolfitt noted they were, and were pursuing those on a case-by-case basis.
In addition to responding to crime activities in the communities, November was a particularly active month for the force in community activities.
They were active with their School Liaison Program as well as with follow-up Neighbourhood Watch Meetings, as well as a meeting with the community group headed by Steven Cormons Nov. 8. Sgt. Neil Tremblay and Sgt. Darcy Woolfitt attended that meeting.
Police also took part in Remembrance Day activities at John Paul II Collegiate, in the march to the cenotaph and in various other activities throughout the community.
