Kindersley RCMP hold town hall meeting

By Joan Janzen

The Kindersley RCMP conducted a town hall meeting Wednesday evening, March 22nd, at the Legion Hall in Kindersley. Staff Sergeant Kevin Peterson is Detachment Commander for Kindersley, Kerrobert and Eston RCMP. The purpose of the evening was to bring everybody up to speed on what has happened in the past year.

The three detachments have sixteen members, including Staff Sergeant Peterson, two corporals, thirteen constables and two full-time public servants. “We are down one constable and one public servant,” he explained. “We’re always looking for people. If you know of someone who’s interested, let them know.”

Staff Sergeant Kevin Peterson from the Kindersley RCMP gave an informative presentation to his audience. The town hall meeting was held on March 22nd at the Legion Hall. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN

The detachment covers an area of 13,354 km, with Kindersley RCMP’s jurisdiction serving a population of 11,000. Their mission is to keep our communities safe, enhance and support policing efforts, and build relationships with the communities they serve.

Sergeant Peterson gave a visual presentation to his audience. The five-year trend revealed property crime is down 24% in Kindersley, and provincial traffic offences are up 106%, which speaks to improved enforcement from the detachment and regional traffic service.

When asked about farm theft, Sergeant Peterson reported that fuel theft is rising. “Cameras help, but that’s after the fact,” he noted. As of March 2021, citizens can access an Onlne Crime Reporting System. Reporting crimes helps the RCMP recognize areas where crime is prevalent and begin focusing on it. “It helps us immensely,” he said.

In January 2022, Kindersley RCMP established a security camera registry named CAPTURE. In April last year, they partnered with area automotive businesses for “Etch It and Catch It.” This is a crime prevention initiative to stop catalytic converter theft. It was also suggested that pedal bike owners register their bikes with Protect Your Ride.
Internally a Crime Reduction Committee utilizes statistics, analytics and officer information to target areas and offenders of concern. The Committee meets monthly to establish priorities. “This committee was instrumental in reducing crime in the area,” Sergeant Peterson said.

Because mental health concerns take up a significant amount of the RCMP’s time and resources, they partnered with the Sask. Health Authority in the fall of 2022. “We are working proactively to identify chronic calls for service and find the needed resources to help the people involved. It’s worked pretty well so far,” Sergeant Peterson explained.

The RCMP is utilizing other strategies, including media releases which educate residents about crimes in the area. Members are assigned to each school, RM and Town in the area in an effort to keep lines of communication open. They participate in community events and try to strengthen relationships with neighbouring detachments and like agencies.

“We want to hear from you ... your concerns, suggestions and ideas. If you have a problem, phone us. People think they’re bothering us, but you’re not,” he said.

Sergeant Peterson was happy to report that the new detachment will be completed in December 2023. “I’m looking forward to it. It will bring us into an up-to-date facility,” he stated.