REGINA — The Saskatchewan RCMP has released its annual crime statistics, revealing alarming increases in various crime categories over the past decade. The report highlights a stark rise in violent and property crimes, placing considerable pressure on law enforcement across the province.
Violent Crime Surge
Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore addressed the media, emphasizing a troubling trend: “Crime continues to rise across Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction. Despite our efforts, the statistics show a significant increase in violent crime, with a 46% rise in the last decade.”
The data reveals a staggering 275% increase in homicide victims from 2014 to 2023, with North District experiencing a 433% rise in homicides. Violent firearm offences have more than tripled, marking Saskatchewan with the highest rate of such incidents in Canada. Notably, violent crime offenses have increased by 46% over the last ten years, with the North District seeing the most dramatic rise.
Property Crime on the Rise
Property crimes have also surged, with a 33% increase over the past decade. In 2023, the North District reported 54% of total property crimes, which include mischief and theft. Motor vehicle thefts have risen by 61%, and mischief offences have increased by 38% during the same period.
Increased Emergency Response
The RCMP’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) has seen a substantial increase in deployments, doubling from 2019 to 2023. The rise in unplanned emergency responses highlights the growing severity of incidents requiring tactical support.
Challenges and Response
Blackmore acknowledged the challenges faced by the RCMP, noting that the force is currently responsible for 60% of all Criminal Code violations in Saskatchewan, despite policing just 46% of the population. The increase in calls to the Divisional Operational Communications Centre (DOCC) underscores the rising demand for emergency services.
In response, the provincial government has committed to funding a full complement of 1,047 RCMP officers. Blackmore emphasized ongoing recruitment and innovative policing strategies, including the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, to manage the growing workload.
Community Impact
The report also highlights the impact of interpersonal violence, with intimate partner and family violence accounting for over half of the violent crime reports. The average number of reported victims in these categories has increased since the summer of 2020, reflecting broader social challenges.
Looking Ahead
Despite the increase in crime rates, Blackmore praised the resilience of Saskatchewan’s communities and the dedication of RCMP officers. She urged residents to support their local detachments and acknowledge the hard work of law enforcement personnel.
As Saskatchewan continues to grapple with these escalating crime trends, the RCMP remains focused on enhancing community safety and responding effectively to the evolving challenges.
Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore
I’m a firm believer in transparency and continuing to share the Saskatchewan RCMP story with our partners and the communities we serve – the positives and the challenges. The reality of the situation is that crime continues to increase across Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction.
RCMP officers police 46% of Saskatchewan’s population – however, the RCMP is responding to and investigating 60% of the total Criminal Code violations in the province.
It’s important to understand the complexities of policing, evolving criminal activity, and resourcing realities we are faced with on a daily basis. We want the public to know that in the last 10 years, in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction:
- the number of homicide victims increased by 275%
- the number of violent firearm offences increased by 271%
- the number of assaults on our RCMP officers increased by 79%
- the number of assault offences increased by 33%
With an increase in crime, comes a need for a larger police presence in our province. I am pleased to share that this year, the Provincial Government has committed to funding our full complement of 1,047 RCMP officers. This welcomed commitment ensures we have the resources needed to help keep Saskatchewan communities safe.
While we work to fill these positions, we are doing what we can to alleviate pressures on our detachments. We’ve implemented strategies to respond to increasing workload, crime and complexity of duties. This includes temporary amalgamations of some RCMP detachments, using new and innovative tools – such as unmanned aerial vehicles – to enhance our policing techniques, and shifting resources to ensure workloads are manageable. We’re committed to continuing our aggressive recruiting efforts to attract new RCMP officers to Saskatchewan. We have changed our practices so that if you are recruited to the RCMP from Saskatchewan and want to return to Saskatchewan, you are able to do that and have the opportunity to have a positive impact in your home province.
I want to be clear – law enforcement is only one part of the solution for decreasing crime. Social issues like substance addiction, gangs, and absence of community resources are some of the root causes of crime. These issues are complex and take a concerted, multi-agency response. We are dedicated to continuing to work with our partner agencies to ensure we can support and contribute to positive change in Saskatchewan.
It goes without saying that each community is different and has unique policing needs. Ongoing partnership and collaboration with local leadership allow us to identify what challenges the community is faced with. We are committed to working with our communities to address those unique policing needs in our communities throughout Saskatchewan.
Despite some of the challenges you have heard about today…I want to speak about the resiliency of the communities in our province and the absolutely fantastic people who live there. I have been back in Saskatchewan now for over three years. During this time, I have attended countless community events, feasts, traditions sharing, luncheons, celebrations and more. I know and hear firsthand the important relationships our front line officers and employees providing operational support have with the people in the communities they call home.
Our employees are working hard to provide the best possible policing services to the people of Saskatchewan. I would encourage you to reach out to your local RCMP detachment – give them a thanks for the hard work they’re doing to keep communities safe. It’s these small messages that go a long way in making our employees feel appreciated and helps build those important community relationships that can ultimately help counter criminal activity.
Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore
Commanding Officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP
Saskatchewan RCMP overview
The Saskatchewan RCMP is responsible for policing 99.9% of the total area and 46% of the total population of Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan RCMP is comprised of three districts: North, Central and South.
In 2023, 60% of the total Criminal Code violations were in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction, as well as 65% of the total violent crime. Although the Saskatchewan RCMP police under half of the Saskatchewan population, almost two thirds of the Criminal Code violations in this province were responded to and investigated by RCMP officers.
In Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction, crime rates have remained high and are continuing to increase. An overall provincial downward trend in crime rate has been noted – however, this is the result of crime rates decreasing for other Saskatchewan police services (such as Regina Police Service, Saskatoon Police Service, Moose Jaw Police Service).
Saskatchewan RCMP district breakdown – Population
- North District makes up 27% of the population under Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction
- Central District makes up 34% of the population under Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction
- South District makes up 39% of the population under Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction
Operational Communications Centre (9-1-1 calls)
The Saskatchewan RCMP Divisional Operational Communications Centre (DOCC) provides support to the three Districts by answering calls for service – including emergency calls (9-1-1) from the public and dispatching the appropriate police resources to a specific area. The DOCC is often the first point of contact for those in a crisis or experiencing an emergency.
From 2015 to 2019, the Saskatchewan RCMP DOCC averaged 266,000 calls per year. From 2019 to 2021, the DOCC operators experienced an increase in total calls – surpassing 352,000 calls in the last two years.
From 2015 to 2019, the DOCC operators averaged answering 4,000 Priority 1 calls per year. Priority 1 calls are the highest priority and require immediate dispatch – these calls usually involve either a reported loss of life or a need for police to prevent a loss of life. Since 2020, there have been more than 5,000 Priority 1 calls per year – this is equivalent to 15 Priority 1 calls a day, every single day of the year.
Emergency Response Team deployments
The Saskatchewan RCMP Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) respond to the most serious and dangerous situations as they unfold. One component of the Saskatchewan RCMP CIRT is the Emergency Response Team (ERT) – who are responsible for providing tactical support to detachments or units that require assistance with both planned and reactive events.
From 2019 to 2023, the total Saskatchewan RCMP ERT deployments have doubled – this includes planned responses (for example, executing high risk warrants) and unplanned/emergency responses (for example, armed/barricaded individual, mass casualty event). However, the unplanned/emergency responses have tripled in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction.
From January 1 to June 30, 2024, the Saskatchewan RCMP ERT has been deployed 46 times throughout the province.
Violent crime
Violent crime offences include Assault, Harassment or Uttering Threats, Sexual Assault or other sexual offences, Firearms, Robbery, Forcible Confinement, Kidnapping, Attempted Murder, and Homicide.
Saskatchewan RCMP data indicates that not only are there more victims of violent crime – the victims are experiencing more severe forms of violence.
In 2023, assault offences accounted for 62% and harassment or uttering threats offences accounted for 25% in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction.
2023 – Saskatchewan RCMP district breakdown
- North District accounted for 56% of the total violent crime reported
- Central District accounted for 23% of the total violent crime reported
- South District accounted for 21% of the total violent crime reported
10-year trend (2014 to 2023) – Saskatchewan RCMP district breakdown
- Saskatchewan RCMP (overall) reports of violent crime offences have increased 46% in the last 10 years
- North District reports of violent crime offences have increased 51% in the last 10 years
- Central District reports of violent crime offences have increased 45% in the last 10 years
- South District reports of violent crime offences have increased 34% in the last 10 years
From January 1 to May 31, 2024, violent crime offences reported to the Saskatchewan RCMP have increased 2% compared to the same timeframe in 2023.
Assault
Assault includes Common Assault, Aggravated Assault, Assault with a Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm.
From 2014 to 2023, Assault offences have increased 33% in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction. The majority of the offences that are categorized under Assault, are driven by Common Assault – which generally refers to situations when someone is grabbed, pushed, shoved, slapped, punched or kicked. However, there has been an increase in more severe forms of assault – which includes Assault with a Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm and Aggravated Assault.
From 2014 to 2023, Assault with a Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm offences have increased 86% in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction. This involves situations when the perpetrator carries, uses or threatens to use a weapon; causes bodily harm or chokes, suffocates or strangles the victim.
From 2014 to 2023, Aggravated Assault offences have increased 41% in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction. As per the Criminal Code, this involves situations where the victim is wounded, maimed, disfigured or their life is endangered.
2023 – Saskatchewan RCMP district breakdown
- North District accounted for 62% of the total Assault offences reported
- Central District accounted for 20% of the total Assault offences reported
- South District accounted for 17% of the total Assault offences reported
10-year Trend (2014 to 2023) – Saskatchewan RCMP district breakdown
- Saskatchewan RCMP (overall) reports of Assault offences have increased 33% in the last 10 years
- North District reports of Assault offences have increased 38% in the last 10 years
- Central District reports of Assault offences have increased 33% in the last 10 years
- South District reports of Assault offences have increased 16% in the last 10 years
From January 1 to May 31, 2024, Assault offences reported to the Saskatchewan RCMP have increased 0.2% compared to the same timeframe in 2023.
Interpersonal violence
Interpersonal violence consists of intimate partner relationships (spouse, ex-spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, ex-boyfriend/girlfriend, other intimate relationship), family relationships (spouse, ex-spouse, parent, step-parent, child, step-child, extended family), and community relationships (stranger, casual acquaintance, friend, neighbour, roommate, authority figure, reverse authority figure, business relationship, or criminal relationship).
In 2023, over half of the violent crime in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction was attributed to Intimate Partner and Family Violence.
Of the total Intimate Partner and Family Violence in 2023, boyfriend/girlfriend relationships account for 29%, extended family account for 20%, and spouses account for 15% in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction.
In the summer of 2020, there was a spike in the number of victims of intimate partner and family violence based on reports made to the Saskatchewan RCMP. Since then, the average number of victims per month has been higher than before the pandemic:
- Prior to 2020, the average number of reported victims of Intimate Partner and Family Violence was 600 per month in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction
- From 2021 and onward, the average number of reported victims of Intimate Partner and Family Violence is 700 per month in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction
2023 – Saskatchewan RCMP district breakdown
- North District accounted for 59% of the total victims of Intimate Partner and Family Violence reported
- Central District accounted for 22% of the total victims of Intimate Partner and Family Violence reported
- South District accounted for 18% of the total victims of Intimate Partner and Family Violence reported
Five-year Trend (2019 to 2023) – Saskatchewan RCMP district breakdown
- Saskatchewan RCMP (overall) reports of Intimate Partner and Family Violence offences have increased 13% in the last 5 years
- North District reports of Intimate Partner and Family Violence offences have increased 14% in the last 5 years
- Central District reports of Intimate Partner and Family Violence offences have increased 19% in the last 5 years
- South District reports of Intimate Partner and Family Violence offences have increased 7% in the last 5 years
From January 1 to June 30, 2024, Intimate Partner and Family Violence offences reported to the Saskatchewan RCMP have decreased 2% compared to the same timeframe in 2023.
Homicide
Homicide includes First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, and Manslaughter.
Over the last 25 years, 51% of the total provincial homicides have occurred in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction.
From 2014 to 2023, there have been 272 victims of homicide – of these homicides, 60% occurred in North District, 23% occurred in Central District, and 17% occurred in South District. In this same timeframe, the Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes unit has laid charges in 86% of the homicide investigations, which means 299 people have been charged with either First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, or Manslaughter.
From 2019 to 2023, 44% of people charged with homicide were on conditions, bail, parole, or probation at the time the homicide was committed.
Five-year Homicide Average (2019 to 2023) – District Breakdown
- Saskatchewan RCMP (overall) 5.3 homicide victims per 100,000 population
- North District 12.6 homicide victims per 100,000 population
- Central District 4.6 homicide victims per 100,000 population
- South District 2.0 homicide victims per 100,000 population
The Canadian homicide rate averaged 1.9 homicide victims per 100,000.
2023 – Saskatchewan RCMP district breakdown
- North District accounted for 53% of the total homicides reported
- Central District accounted for 27% of the total homicides reported
- South District accounted for 20% of the total homicides reported
10-year Trend (2014 to 2023) – Saskatchewan RCMP district breakdown
- Saskatchewan RCMP (overall) homicide victims have increased 275% in the last 10 years: 8 homicide victims in 2014, to 30 homicide victims in 2023
- North District homicide victims have increased 433% in the last 10 years: 3 homicide victims in 2014, to 16 homicide victims in 2023
- Central District homicide victims have increased 100% in the last 10 years: 4 homicide victims in 2014, to 8 homicide victims in 2023
- South District homicide victims have increased 500% in the last 10 years : 1 homicide victim in 2014, to 6 homicide victims in 2023
From January 1 to June 31, 2024, homicides reported to the Saskatchewan RCMP have increased 47% compared to the same timeframe in 2023.
Assault on a police officer
From 2014 to 2023, the Saskatchewan RCMP has noted a steady increase of Assault on Police Officer offences.
2023 – Saskatchewan RCMP district breakdown
- North District accounted for 62% of the total Assault on Police Officer offences reported
- Central District accounted for 24% of the total Assault on Police Officer offences reported
- South District accounted for 14% of the total Assault on Police Officer offences reported
10-year Trend (2014 to 2023) – Saskatchewan RCMP district breakdown
- Saskatchewan RCMP (overall) reports of Assault on Police Officer offences have increased 79% in the last 10 years
- North District reports of Assault on Police Officer offences have increased 84% in the last 10 years
- Central District reports of Assault on Police Officer offences have increased 80% in the last 10 years
- South District reports of Assault on Police Officer offences have increased 59% in the last 10 years
From January 1to May 31, 2024, Assault on Police Officer offences in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction have decreased 5% compared to the same timeframe in 2023.
Violent firearm
Violent firearm offences include Discharging a Firearm with Intent, Pointing a Firearm, and Using a Firearm During the Commission of an Offence.
From 2014 to 2023, violent firearms offences have more than tripled in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction. Furthermore, the Saskatchewan RCMP has the highest rate of firearm offences in the country.
2023 – Saskatchewan RCMP district breakdown
- North District accounted for 70% of the total violent firearm offences reported
- Central District accounted for 20% of the total violent firearm offences reported
- South District accounted for 10% of the total violent firearm offences reported
10-year Trend (2014 to 2023) – Saskatchewan RCMP district breakdown
- Saskatchewan RCMP (overall) reports of violent firearm offences have increased 271% in the last 10 years
- North District reports of violent firearm offences have increased 474% in the last 10 years
- Central District reports of violent firearm offences have increased 76% in the last 10 years
- South District reports of violent firearm offences have increased 200% in the last 10 years
From January 1 to May 31, 2024, violent firearm offences reported to the Saskatchewan RCMP have increased 24% compared to the same timeframe in 2023.
Property crime
Property crime includes Mischief, Theft, Break and Enters, Fraud, Traffic Stolen Goods, and Arson.
Saskatchewan RCMP officers are investigating almost 12,000 more property crimes than they were 10 years ago. Of the total property crime in 2023, Mischief offences account for 58% and Theft offences accounted for 21% in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction.
2023 – Saskatchewan RCMP district breakdown
- North District: accounted for 54% of the total property crime reported
- Central District: accounted for 26% of the total property crime reported
- South District: accounted for 20% of the total property crime reported
10-year Trend (2014 to 2023) – Saskatchewan RCMP district breakdown
- Saskatchewan RCMP (overall) reports of property crime offences have increased 33% in the last 10 years
- North District reports of property crime offences have increased 43% in the last 10 years, a 27% increase since 2020 alone
- Central District reports of property crime offences have increased 27% in the last 10 years
- South District reports of property crime offences have increased 19% in the last 10 years
From January 1 to May 31, 2024, property crime offences reported to the Saskatchewan RCMP have increased 13% compared to the same timeframe in 2023.
Mischief and motor vehicle theft
From 2014 to 2023, Mischief has increased 38% in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction. Mischief offences include Damage to Property and Obstructing Enjoyment of Property.
From 2014 to 2023, Motor Vehicle Theft has increased 61% in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction. The most commonly stolen vehicles are trucks, followed by cars.
Saskatchewan RCMP Reports Significant Rise in Crime Rates
In a stark revelation of the state of law enforcement in Saskatchewan, Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore unveiled the Saskatchewan RCMP’s annual crime statistics, highlighting a troubling surge in criminal activity across the province.
Speaking to the media, Blackmore emphasized a commitment to transparency and shared the sobering reality: crime rates within the Saskatchewan RCMP’s jurisdiction have continued to rise. Despite policing only 46% of the province’s population, the RCMP is responsible for investigating a disproportionate 60% of all Criminal Code violations in Saskatchewan.
Surge in Violent Crime
The figures paint a grim picture. Over the past decade, Saskatchewan has witnessed a dramatic 275% increase in homicide victims and a 271% rise in violent firearm offences. Assaults on RCMP officers have surged by 79%, and overall assault offences have risen by 33%. The increase in violent crime is particularly pronounced in the North District, which reports the highest rates of both homicide and assault.
However, the South District, which polices 39% of the Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction’s population, has also seen significant increases. Homicide victims in the South District have surged by 500% over the past decade, from just one in 2014 to six in 2023. Similarly, violent firearm offences in the South District have risen by 200% during the same period.
“The rise in violent crime in the South District is alarming,” Blackmore acknowledged. “While the North District faces more severe rates, the increases in the South District are still concerning and necessitate a focused approach to ensure safety.”
Enhanced Resources and Strategies
In response to these challenges, the Provincial Government has committed to funding the full complement of 1,047 RCMP officers, a move Blackmore welcomed as crucial for bolstering the force’s capacity to manage the growing workload. Alongside this funding boost, the RCMP is implementing several strategic measures to cope with increasing demands.
These include temporary amalgamations of detachments, innovative policing tools like unmanned aerial vehicles, and a robust recruitment drive aimed at attracting and retaining officers, especially those from Saskatchewan who wish to serve in their home province.
“We are not just increasing our numbers; we are adapting our strategies to meet evolving challenges,” said Blackmore. “Our approach includes innovative tools and a focus on targeted recruitment to ensure we are equipped to protect our communities.”
Addressing Root Causes
Blackmore also highlighted that law enforcement alone cannot address the root causes of crime. Issues such as substance addiction, gang activity, and a lack of community resources contribute significantly to the crime rates. The RCMP is committed to working alongside partner agencies to tackle these complex social issues.
“Law enforcement is just one piece of the puzzle,” she said. “We need a coordinated, multi-agency approach to effectively address the underlying issues driving crime.”
Community Resilience and Collaboration
Despite the grim statistics, Blackmore praised the resilience and spirit of Saskatchewan’s communities. Over the past three years, she has engaged deeply with local events and traditions, underscoring the strong relationships between RCMP officers and the communities they serve.
“While we face significant challenges, the dedication and hard work of our officers and the strong community connections are what keep us moving forward,” Blackmore said. She encouraged residents to reach out to their local RCMP detachments to express their appreciation and support for their efforts.
South District Focus
The South District, encompassing a large and diverse area, faces unique challenges. The increase in property crime in the South District has been notable, with reports rising by 19% over the past decade. Motor vehicle thefts and mischief offences are significant contributors to this rise.
Local RCMP officers in the South District are actively working to address these issues. “We are focused on strategies to mitigate the rise in property crime and to ensure a swift response to incidents of theft and vandalism,” said Sgt. John Mitchell, a spokesperson for the South District RCMP. “Community engagement and proactive policing are crucial in managing these challenges.”
Homicide rates in the South District have also seen a worrying increase, with a 500% rise in the past decade. This spike has led to heightened patrols and increased investigative resources in the area. The South District, with its own set of complexities, requires a tailored approach to effectively combat the rise in serious crimes.
Future Outlook
The statistics from early 2024 show that some crime rates continue to climb, with violent firearm offences up 24% and property crimes increasing by 13% compared to the same period last year. This ongoing rise underscores the urgency of the RCMP’s efforts and the need for continued investment in policing and community support.
As Saskatchewan grapples with these escalating crime rates, the Saskatchewan RCMP’s enhanced resources and strategic adaptations represent a critical response to the growing demands placed on law enforcement. The commitment to addressing both immediate policing needs and long-term social issues remains central to the RCMP’s mission to ensure the safety and security of Saskatchewan’s communities.