Town council updated on activities of RCMP

By Rob Vogt

The Claresholm RCMP were busy with a variety of activities over the first quarter of 2025.
Sergeant Perry Pelletier of the Claresholm RCMP appeared as a delegation at the June 23 meeting of Claresholm town council to provide a quarterly update, spanning Jan. 1 to March 31.
He noted the provincial RCMP has been requesting assistance from detachments to provide help during the fire season in northern Alberta as well as for the recent G-7 summit in Kananaskis, but Claresholm was unaffected because it is fully utilizing all its members currently.
Pelletier then went through the detachment’s priorities.
The first priority is traffic and speeding.
A total of 46 speeding infractions were reported during this quarter, resulting in 26 charges laid and 13 written warnings issued. There were also five intersection-related offences reported, resulting in one charge laid and three written warnings issued.
In total, 131 traffic-related offences were reported, resulting in 62 charges laid and 29 warnings issued.
The second priority is crime reduction and property crime.
Two conditions checks were completed with both being compliant.
Pelletier said the Crown has become reluctant to lay charges when people breach conditions.
However, Claresholm RCMP still check high-risk offenders and serious conditions.
The third priority is police-community relations and police visibility.
Pelletier said foot patrols and regular vehicle patrols continue to be conducted throughout Claresholm, Stavely and municipal districts.
Monthly media releases have commenced soon after the non-commissioned officer in-charge took his position in Claresholm. Feedback from the community has been very favourable. As well, media releases sent from RCMP strategic communications citing a variety of crime reduction and public advisory topics have also been submitted to local media.
The fourth priority is substance abuse and drugs.
Pelletier said one offence under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act was reported over this quarter. An investigation revealed no evidence of any drug activity.
He noted if drugs is an issue, it is not being reported to police.
Pelletier explained drug enforcement is based on receiving intelligence and information. They need evidence in order to obtain search warrants.
Moreover, a tip from Crime Stoppers is not sufficient evidence because it is anonymous.
Pelletier said the 2024-2025 performance plan was a success.
“I think we accomplished most of the goals we set forth,” he said.
“We’re doing the best we can with what we have,” he added.
Overall, from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025, the Claresholm RCMP had 2,832 complaints or files, with 158 deemed unfounded, leaving 2,674. A total of 421 charges were laid, with some files still under investigation.
Coun. Kandice Meister asked if there is more weight when a person calls the detachment and gives their name as opposed to Crime Stoppers?
“Absolutely,” Pelletier said, adding if that person is willing to give a statement then that becomes evidence.
Meister asked if someone comes to the police with a complaint, will the police keep it anonymous from the person the complaint is about when they are investigating.
‘“If they so wish,” Pelletier said. “If people in the community really want to help the community they will come forward.
“The more people that come forward, the better.”
Coun. Rod Kettles said he appreciated the increased media profile, understanding it takes time and resources.
“I think it’s a net benefit,” he said.