ESTEVAN - Recently-released information from the Estevan Police Service shows it is continuing to make progress on a number of fronts.
As part of the EPS's strategic plan, it has committed to releasing numbers on multiple fronts. Quarterly reports are posted on the EPS's website.
In terms creating a safe community, the traffic safety strategy shows there were 10 targeted traffic enforcement operations in the second quarter. A total of 648 traffic enforcement charges were laid in the second quarter through platoon officers and members of the Combined Traffic Services of Saskatchewan. That figure includes 83 issued during a selective traffic enforcement program blitz in June.
There were 500 charges in the first quarter.
Seven impaired driving charges were laid in the second quarter, and there were eight charges for a low blood alcohol content or for cannabis use in the second quarter.
Two high-visibility check stops occurred from April 1-June 30, with 239 vehicles inspected.
The EPS responded to 20 collisions in the second quarter. The number peaked at nine in May.
In terms of its illicit drug strategy, the EPS had just two arrests under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act during the second quarter, down from 11 for the first three months of the year. The seized drugs and property had an estimated value of $15,043, down sharply from $76,661 in the first quarter.
A total of 105.3 grams of drugs were seized, all of it cocaine.
The EPS reports that 32 per cent of incidents reported from April 1-June 30 resulted in criminal charges, up from 17 per cent in the first quarter.
The EPS performed 146 compliance and conditions checks on known offenders, attended 93 special events or community events, spent 59 hours on foot patrol and received 15 tips through Crime Stoppers.
In terms of having a healthy organization, officers attended seven external training courses and conferences and five internal courses. Members dedicated 1,488 hours to training. Two combined service training events were attended with partner agencies.
As for the EPS's goal for enhanced workplace wellness, 29 members were part of the EPS fitness program and six were in the financial wellness initiative.
The EPS had 61 total calls for service for mental health emergencies, down from 55 in the first quarter; 52 deployments for the Police and Crisis Team (PACT), up from 40 in the first quarter; 15 PACT referrals to external agencies, down from 19 in the opening quarter; 33 client follow-ups, compared to 26; and 27 wellbeing checks versus 45.
In terms of budget accountability, the EPS used 49.3 per cent of its budget in the first six months of the year. The EPS has received $112,200 in government funding for positions in the second quarter.
The EPS has 203 officers per 100,000 population, which is the second-highest in the province behind Prince Albert with 229.
