SUNDRE - The overall volume of calls responded to by the Sundre RCMP has dropped during the pandemic, said the department’s corporal.
“Calls for service have dropped approximately 20 per cent for the Sundre area,” said Cpl. Joe Mandel in recent weeks.
The corporal added that the kinds of complaints received have largely been fairly similar to past trends.
“When compared with this period last year, the types of calls have remained relatively consistent,” said Mandel.
Since March 12, he reported that suspicious persons as well as vehicle calls have represented the bulk of the detachment’s calls for service.
“This bodes well as our office encourages the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to police.”
Asked whether there had been any observable changes in trends during the pandemic, the corporal said local police have seen “a slight increase from the same time period last year regarding property offences” such as break and enters, mischief, theft as well as stolen vehicles from other jurisdictions ending up abandoned in the region.
“Our office requests that citizens maintain vigilance of their property and that of their neighbours,” he said, encouraging people to “ensure that doors, windows and gates are locked. And don’t be afraid to call police regarding suspicious behaviour, persons or vehicles.”
Responding to a question about reported concerns that victims of domestic abuse are at greater risk during the pandemic, the corporal said, “The Sundre detachment is aware that our current world health crisis may be difficult for those experiencing intimate partner violence.”
Officers and their frontline partners, he said, “are here to keep you safe 24-7, even during the pandemic. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.”
The safety of not only the public but also members of the RCMP and their support staff is the top priority. Although instances of individuals intentionally coughing or spitting on others — including officers — have made headlines, such scenarios have not yet occurred locally, he said.
“The threat to transmit the COVID-19 virus by spitting or coughing is a threat to the well-being and health of our members, which is a criminal offence. Carrying out these threats could result in an assault charge against a peace officer.”
The detachment’s focus during the pandemic remains on the safety and security of Sundre area residents, and the corporal said “we have resources available to maintain a consistent approach with core policing.”
“The Sundre detachment is business as usual and there is no change regarding our response.”
The RCMP has implemented precautionary protocols to protect officers and people, he said.
“We are still their police force and we will still provide our service to the public. There is no change when calling for police assistance. If you need us, call and we will be there.”
Despite the duress people are enduring as a result of stay-at-home and social distancing guidelines, he said the community has responded extremely positively.
The corporal expressed gratitude on behalf of the detachment’s members for the community’s supportive and upbeat attitude in the face of adversity.
“These are uncertain times that will test everyone’s resilience,” he said.
“But I know that we will get through this, obviously with some bumps and bruises, but we will get through this nonetheless.”
