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www.pgfreepress.com ■ Crime Stats
City’s crime severity index has big drop RCMP superintendent says new strategies and dedication of members are reasons Delynda pilon newsroom@pgfreepress.com
The streets of Prince George are safer than they have ever been. Statistics Canada recently released its annual crime statistics including the crime severity index (CSI), showing that, in 2011, the city’s dropped 20 points to 159. “It’s the lowest overall the city has seen,” Supt. Eric Stubbs said in a press conference Wednesday. He pointed out the rate of violent crimes also dropped about 20 per cent, from 196 to 158. “I want to be clear the number one single largest contributor to our success is our members,” Stubbs said. He added they are dedicated, often putting in hours after their shifts have ended. Stubbs said there are a number of strategies and reasons for the drop in numbers that enhance the efforts of local members to ensure Prince George is a safe secure community. For instance, the crime reduction team is targeting prolific offenders. Of the 15 known to police, nine are now incarcerated with the remaining six involved in the criminal justice system in some way. Mid- to high-level gang members are the focus of investigations, a task that is greatly aided by the provinces CESU team. The downtown enforcement unit, Stubbs said, has reduced crime downtown by 20 per cent. A one-member unit working with at-risk youth is making a difference among young people who are often targeted by gangs and encouraged to get involved in a criminal lifestyle.
De Ly nd a PILON/ Fre e Pre s s
Prince George RCMP Supt. Eric Stubbs answers a question at Wednesday’s press conference, with Mayor Shari Green listening in. Two to three times a week search warrants are executed by general duty officers, who not only make a number of arrests but seize weapons, getting them off the street. The Step In Step Up program along with the home security evaluation program help to prevent crime before it happens, Stubbs said. The newly formed
domestic violence unit will help victims as well as prevent incidents of domestic violence. Stubbs added the local RCMP detachment intends to continue to work with its partners, from government agencies to city hall, to fight crime. Some of the challenges facing the force include the significant number of transients who travel
through the city. Property crimes, an issue in the city, are experiencing a bit of a spike. Gangs and guns, he added, are still a presence and a concern within the community. However, with the CSI at an all-time low, Stubbs said he is pleased, though not surprised when he takes into consideration the hard work that’s gone into
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facing down crime locally, adding proactive intelligence driven policing along with the dedication of local members has made all the difference. Mayor Shari Green, who attended the conference, said she is pleased with the numbers as well, saying she is supportive of the efforts of the officers involved.
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