NORTH BATTLEFORD – In January 2023, Battlefords RCMP launched a pilot project aimed at disrupting criminal activity in the Battlefords detachment area. As of March 27, the North Battleford RCMP CRT have successfully executed over 100 warrants for arrest, laid 95 new Criminal Code charges [relating to firearms, persons crimes, vehicle, and property-related crimes], and laid 92 provincial charges.
The program is comprised of several Saskatchewan RCMP specialized units including: The Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team [SERT], the Combined Traffic Services Section [CTSS], Indigenous Policing Services, and the Battlefords Gang Task Force.
The program focuses on increasing targeted criminal enforcement, supporting and enhancing relationships with communities of the Battlefords region and First Nations communities, and education/gang intervention.
“A collaborative approach with our specialized units is necessary to help reduce the impact of criminal activity that has caused harm to the Battlefords region for far too long,” said Insp. Jesse Gilbert, the Battlefords RCMP Detachment Commander. “Our overall goal is to locate and arrest the individuals causing the most harm in our communities and to prevent illicit weapons and drugs that continue to threaten the safety of the people of the Battlefords.”
The information gathered over the six-month period will contribute to the development of the Saskatchewan RCMP crime reduction initiative for potential implementation in all of Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction.
Enforcement
Saskatchewan RCMP SERT and the North Battleford RCMP Gang Task Force are primarily responsible for gathering and sharing intelligence to identify individuals who have a significant negative impact on the safety of the community.
Saskatchewan RCMP CTSS forms a key part of the overt, visible, side of the enforcement strategy.
Education / Intervention and Community Engagement
Saskatchewan RCMP Indigenous Policing Services is leading outreach plans to address education, awareness, and prevention to programs including, but not limited to: the Akameyimok Oskayak Program, Cadet Corps, and Depot youth camps.
The six-month initiative launched in January 2023, and is already seeing successes:
Jan. 7: Apprehension of a 26-year-old male wanted on a homicide investigation, North Battleford RCMP Provincial General Investigation Section and the Saskatchewan RCMP Gang Task Force.
Jan. 19: Arrest of a 25-year-old maN wanted for being Unlawfully at Large, Saskatchewan RCMP WEST.
Feb. 2: Seizure of nearly 8 kg of cocaine, over $55,000 in cash, and 4 illegal firearms from seven locations searched; nine individuals arrested, North Battleford Gang Task Force, SERT, FDIV GIS.
Feb. 26: Arrest of man on warrant status for failing to comply with a conditional sentence order. He faced new Criminal Code charges including, flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle while prohibited, resist/obstruct a police officer and possession of a weapon/ammunition contrary to a court order, North Battleford RCMP CRT and North Battleford RCMP.
March 16: Arrest of male wanted for multiple charges, some of which include: failure to comply with a court order, failure to appear for court, reach of release order, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of prohibited firearm, possession of a firearm in a vehicle and flight from police, North Battleford CRT.
March 21: As of this date, Saskatchewan RCMP Combined Traffic Services Section have laid 464 traffic-related charges and issued 686 warnings.
The Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team [SERT] consists of Saskatchewan RCMP's Crime Reduction Team (CRT) and Warrant Enforcement Suppression Team [WEST], as well as the Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team [STRT]. SERT will help the Saskatchewan RCMP continue to fulfil its mandate as the province's police force – keeping our communities safe.
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