Image Credit: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

CRIME PREVENTION AND REDUCTION

City’s Safety and Security Committee reiterates need for communication boost to public

Jan 30, 2024 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops’ Safety and Security Select Committee met Tuesday (Jan. 30) to hear fourth quarter reports from several departments, along with updates on existing programs and engagement groups, including Community Services Officers, Kamloops RCMP and Kamloops Fire Rescue.

There was plenty of discussion to be had in council chambers around jurisdiction and what direction to point citizens in when they bring safety or crime concerns forward.

“… that we might be able to develop some better messaging around as we explain to people (asking), “Why does the city do this?” Councillor Katie Neustaeter pointed out. “It’s because we’re limited in the number of things that we can do to support in these areas.”

Councillors outlined frustrations they hear from residents — particularly business owners — centered around break-ins, vandalism and shoplifting.

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“Businesses are frustrated on our streets,” noted Councillor Kelly Hall. “I think we could do a better job communicating to the entire city as to the initiatives that we are taking as a community.”

In the fourth quarter of last year, Kamloops RCMP Superintendent Jeff Pelley says several crime categories saw decreases, including theft of motor vehicles, which was down by 38 per cent. Property crime was down by 12 per cent and home break-ins were down by 24 per cent.

“However, we do see an increase that actually correlates with the information that you brought forward on the frustration of some of our business owners,” Supt. Pelley noted during his presentation. “We’ve had an increase of break-and-enters of nearly 8 per cent to our businesses.”

RCMP also reporting 570 mental health-related calls that had Integrated Crisis Response Team (formerly Car 40) interventions this past quarter.

When asked by Councillor Dale Bass about the call out increase compared to the same time period last year, Pelley noted part of that data increase comes from operating seven days a week, instead of previously reduced hours.

“Is that because we expanded the hours, so we’re able to do more calls than we were with just one car?” inquired Bass.

“Absolutely. We only had four days a week before that and we continue to grow that program and monitor ways we can enhance that engagement,” responded Pelley.

As for where to direct people when they have a complaint or crime-related issue, Protective Services and the City Safety and Security Select Committee agreed some form of clear, consistent information needs to be made available to people in Kamloops so they know what department can address their needs and what is currently being done to address concerns in the community.

“It’s good work. It’s happening every single day. Nobody knows it,” stressed Neustaeter. “And we have to figure out a way to bring the broader community along on that journey so that they understand the extraordinary efforts that are being undertaken at the municipal level.”