Grainswest - Winter 2019

Winter 2019 grainswest.com 31 crime decline about 11 per cent across rural Alberta. She calculated this would equate to 366 fewer break-ins, 648 fewer vehicle thefts and almost 2,400 fewer total thefts from the year prior. “It’s important to remember, in each instance, those statistics represent families who feel safer in their home. We know that we still have more work to do.” “It’s understandable that reduction isn’t going to be felt by someone who has been a victim of crime,” added van Rassel. “We’re going to continue working with our law enforcement partners and the justice system to provide the resources they need to address crime and prosecute the offenders.” Though the UCP report proposes different methods, it embodies much common ground with the NDP rural crime strategy. This includes working with enforcement agencies to improve data collection and inter-jurisdictional cooperation. They also share an emphasis on greater public education and and stopping repeat offenders. The UCP’s Pitt said her party is happy to see government action, but that crime rates are still up from 2015. She also suggested it’s too early to accurately make claims about where provincial crime rates are at and Crime Reduction Units simply represent a reallocation of officers. “We certainly hope [crime statistics] get better. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done and there are a lot of people out there that are really scared for themselves and their property.” Alberta’s crime-reduction strategy includes actions that simply bring it into the 21st century, according to King. “All of those are really appropriate and useful and effective responses, but they were emergency responses,” he qualified. Policing agencies, he said, must realize more visible police presence in rural communities deters crime and that one bureaucratic approach doesn’t fit all communities, but rather, the unique needs of each must be accounted for. “If they commit themselves to doing that, and the province is prepared to provide financial support towards that end, things are destined to have improved in the short run, but will also continue to improve.” Further aspects of the provincial program include the use of bait vehicles, GPS tracking of stolen implements as well as helicopter monitoring of criminal activities. Additional policing efforts outside the program include rolling out online crime maps through RCMP detachments. It’s a means of creating public awareness and engagement, said Scott. “To be clear,” she added, “we’re not asking the public to respond to crime, but to help prevent crime.” PARTNERS IN CRIME PREVENTION To this end, the RCMP partners with the Alberta Provincial Rural Crime Watch Association (APRCWA). The volunteer organization is made up of approximately 55 associations InMarch, 2018, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Kathleen Ganley and RCMP Deputy Commissioner Todd Shean announced the launch of the province’s $10million rural crime reduction strategy. Photo: Courtesy of Government of Alberta.