Reviewing 2021 with Kamloops RCMP’s Superintendent

Lecky says the Kamloops area tends to have the second highest amount of missing persons reports in the southeast – with Kelowna receiving more reports. And Lecky notes the city is still higher than most other municipalities of a similar size.

RCMP are also aware of social media posts circulating about more women being abducted, or going missing from the area. Lecky urges people to check with official sources of information.

On the missing persons report section of the BC RCMP website, only two case profiles from the Kamloops detachment in the past 12 months remain posted – Shannon White, and Peter Joseph Leonard. When missing persons are found, their posting is removed to respect the individual’s privacy.

“So my message for social media – is don’t always believe what you hear. In fact, scrutinize it heavily,” urges Lecky, “There’s a pretty good chance it’s a partial truth, or not true at all. And that can really impact public trust. And when you don’t have public trust it’s very difficult to be a police officer because no one will believe what you have to say.”

Lecky is also aware of public frustration with prolific offenders being released shortly after an arrest. But says recent case law changes have impacted how police deal with offenders.

“We catch them. We’ve been catching people just at the same rates as we ever have. What has changed is the number of times we’ve got to catch them before they get held, or get sentenced.”

Lecky notes many of these repeat offenders are likely to remain prolific – especially if underlying issues that led to criminal behaviour haven’t been addressed.

“There’s an element of people walking around out there and their mental health spirals, and eventually sometimes they can get into very serious criminal matters. And I can’t do anything about it. I can bring them to the hospital, I can bring them to wherever but there’s nothing to compel them to get the help that they need.”

On the investigative front this year, Lecky says the Serious Crimes Unit has had several investigations result in charges or convictions – including the Troy Gold homicide, and a dangerous driving incident that killed three Nigerian students.

“Human life is important. So if we can bring a little bit of closure to people’s lives for having done that work, then it’s a win. But it’s a sad win to have to say that.”

When asked about some positive wins the detachment saw in the past year, Lecky says Kamloops RCMP did some successful fundraising for the BC SPCA, and for the Kamloops Food Bank. Though he notes those aren’t usually the kind of police stories that make up headlines.

The workload hasn’t lessened, and neither have the challenges police respond to. With that in mind, Lecky asks for patience and understanding going into 2022.

“If we have to notify the public that there’s a public interest event happening or something that’s a danger to the public – we’re going to do it. Don’t get your information from social media. We’ll do our thing, and we’ll make it happen.”

by Dylana Kneeshaw

Reviewing 2021 with Kamloops RCMP’s Superintendent

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