RCMP delivers third quarter report to council

By Mickey Dumont Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Claresholm’s top cop RCMP Sergeant Perry Pelletier, had little to reveal in his third-quarter report to town council, adding up to good news for the community.
Pelletier’s 2024 third quarter report covers RCMP activity from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31.
“This report serves to provide a quarterly snapshot of human resources, financial data, and crime statistics for the Claresholm detachment,” Pelletier said, while appearing as a delegation at Claresholm town council’s Feb. 24 meeting.
Because the reports are delivered according to the RCMP fiscal year, the 2024 report will include January through March 2025.
In this time frame, priority one was identified as traffic, particularly speeding.
“During this quarter, there were 55 reports of speeding-related offences resulting in 34 charges and six reports of intersection-related offences resulting in four charges being laid. As well, four seatbelt offence charges, four other moving traffic violation charges, 19 non-moving violation charges, and one charge for driving while disqualified or with a suspended license,” Pelletier reported.
In total, there were 163 traffic-related offences reported resulting in 66 charges and 31 warnings.
“This objective has been exceeded with one more quarter remaining,” the sergeant said about the agreed-upon goals between the town and police.
The third quarter report identifies crime reduction – specifically property crime as priority two.
This objective, too, is on track and should be exceeded in the next quarter.
During this quarter, 17 condition checks were conducted, primarily on high-risk property offenders on court or RCMP member-imposed conditions.
“As a result, two persons were found to not be abiding certain conditions resulting in arrests and applicable charges being laid,” Pelletier said.
Community relations and police visibility were priority three in the third quarter.
“During this quarter, three foot patrols were conducted within the community of Claresholm, primarily involving licensed establishments,” Pelletier said. “Also, three dedicated rural patrols were undertaken, primarily in the area of the Claresholm airport and the Porcupine Hills (in the M.D. of Willow Creek).
“As well, members have continued with patrols through local communities and MDs.”
Substance abuse and drugs were priority four.
“During this quarter, four reports were received of possible offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, however, due to limited information provided, which was anonymous, little action could be taken by the (police),” Pelletier said.
Monthly media releases were submitted to local media outlining the detachment’s calls for service. The media releases included public service advisories indicating the current crime trends relating to fraud and theft prevention, amongst other local issues.
“This objective has been exceeded, however, no formal presentations have been conducted or requested from any stakeholders, ie: local schools or other organizations,” Pelletier said.
The Claresholm detachment is one member short of its full complement.
However, late last week RCMP K Division management was meeting to discuss this shortage.
Only six members are available to work, while one is on special leave. K Division is looking to promote one local member to corporal opening the hiring door for a new RCMP member to be hired.
“In the coming weeks and months, we will be engaging with the community and holding town hall meetings as we have done in the past. This will provide us with an opportunity to interact with the community we serve and hear from them directly about what policing issues or priorities they would like our detachment to focus on,” Pelletier said.
He reminded the town council that very soon he will be polling councillors to learn what new policing priorities are a concern to them.