The RCMP recently released their status report for the second quarter of 2011.
The Keremeos detachment currently has five and a half police officers on staff with one support clerk.
During the second quarter of 2011 Keremeos RCMP responded to 374 calls for service, compared with 309 calls in the second quarter of 2010, an increase of 21 per cent.
Break and enters were higher than average this quarter, driven by an increase in business break-ins. In the second quarter Keremeos RCMP responded to six business B&Es, two of which involved break-ins to local motels where the suspect appeared to be entering the premises to sleep. Vehicle crime and property damage complaints were slightly lower this period than during 2010, while the number of assaults remained stable. Cause disturbance reports were higher this quarter as well, likely due in part to the actions of one chronic nuisance offender who has thus far been carded on nearly 25 per cent of Keremeos’ disturbance files since the beginning of 2011.
Initiatives and Priority Areas
Drug Enforcement
Keremeos RCMP investigated five founded drug offenses in the second quarter of 2011. Two files were related to CDSA trafficking, while one involved cannabis production. In the latter file, members conducted a search warrant on a residence in the 700 block of Ashnola Road on July 1, where they located 62 marihuana plants and 2.03 pounds of marihuana bud.
Charges are currently pending.
Traffic Safety
Impaired Driving
Between April and June Keremeos RCMP issued 90 day Immediate Roadside Suspensions (IRPs) to four drivers, while three drivers were given three day IRPs under new impaired driving legislation, which was implemented September 20, 2010. One other driver was given a 24 hour suspension.
Community Engagement
Keremeos RCMP continue their commitment to community engagement. In keeping with the direction from the OIC, (Officer in Charge) members regularly attend village council meetings.
Keremeos has an active Citizen on Patrol program that held their annual meeting attended by a detachment representative. COP continues to conduct regular weekend patrols and maintains a good working relationship with the detachment.
Prolific and Nuisance Offenders
Chronic Nuisance Offendersv
Keremeos RCMP have dealt with one individual who qualifies as a chronic nuisance offender. The individual is a 52 year old male with substance abuse issues. He has generated approximately four per cent of the detachment area’s total files and approximately 29 per cent of the area’s total cause disturbance and public intoxication files for the last six months.
Youth
The Keremeos RCMP detachment uses the DARE program as a means of connecting with local youth. The detachment remains actively involved with the Education on Substance Abuse Committee. The detachment stays in regular contact with youth probation and has an active presence at the schools, liaising with administration and youth and attended both Cawston Elementary and delivered a presentation to grade 9’s at Similkameen Elementary Secondary on the dangers of drinking and driving. In addition the detachment has two constables actively involved with youth at the Crossing, a youth treatment centre. These constables participate in activities, including the running program at the centre. The regional Restorative Justice coordinator continues to provide support for restorative justice in Keremeos with one file referred from the school district this quarter.
Crime Stoppers
Crime Stoppers received one tip relating to events in Keremeos and area during the second quarter of 2011. The regional Crime Stoppers coordinator also visited the detachment to review tip handling procedures with members, address any problems or concerns with the program and to drop off marketing materials.
- RCMP regional second quarter report
