MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Didsbury RCMP officers conducted more than 400 proactive patrols in Mountain View County during the first 10 months of 2024, helping to discourage criminal activities in rural areas, says detachment commander Stephen Browne.
The detachment’s recent community policing report was received by Mountain View County council on Nov. 26.
According to Browne’s report, between January and October, officers responded to 132 persons calls, including 62 assaults, 10 sexual assaults, 27 criminal harassments, 24 uttering threats, and three extortions in the Mountain View County portion of the detachment's coverage area.
They also responded to 201 property crime calls, inching 53 theft over $5,000 and 39 frauds.
Regarding efforts to reduce property crimes, officers conducted approximately 410 proactive patrols in the rural areas of Mountain View County, he said.
“These patrols are held to discourage criminal activity in these less populated areas and help to decrease response time when calls for service are received within the county,” he said.
During the quarter, officers investigated 13 domestic violence calls, resulting in charges in three of those cases.
In the report, Browne also updated council on plans for RCMP to start using body worn cameras (BWC).
“We will be conducting province-wide media releases that will include a demonstration of the new BWC along with an update on the Alberta RCMP deployment plan,” said Didsbury RCMP’s Staff Sgt. Stephen Browne.
“As the deployment of BWCs to each detachment will take approximately 12-18 months, I will reach out to you when you are expected to receive it. Shortly before the deployment of BWCs in our communities, I will also ensure there is communication locally so that residents are aware of these new piece of equipment being used by our officers.”
Olds and Sundre RCMP detachment commanders provided the same comments vis-a-vis BWCs.
Mountain View County peace officers have been successfully using BWC for the past five years, council heard.
Browne’s report was received as information with no further action to be taken.
