Grand Forks RCMP say they had fewer call-outs this summer than last, continuing a trend over the last few years.
July and August of this year saw 30 per cent fewer calls than last year: 403 in Grand Forks and 103 in Christina Lake for a total of 506. In 2022, there were 529 calls in Grand Forks and 135 at the Lake for a total of 664. In 2021, there were 580 calls in Grand Forks and 142 to the Lake for a total of 772.
“There could be a variety of reasons that have led to this decline in our call volume,” Sgt. Darryl Peppler said in a news release. “Anything from a decline in tourism and motorists driving though as a result of the province-wide wildfire activity to certain ‘clients’ having left town.”
Calls for service can range from noise complaints and missing license plates to break and enters, thefts, serious assault calls, impaired driving and more. Peppler said his members are not idle as a result of lower call volumes. Rather, they are freed up to do more proactive policing.
Peppler added that while the detachment did not operate at full strength, any gaps or shortages were filled with local officers working overtime and bringing in outside resources and support to supplement the detachment.
Officers maintained a strong presence in the community, on the highways and at Christina Lake, he said.