During the first quarter of 2012 Princeton RCMP responded to 395 calls for service, compared with 382 calls during the first quarter of 2011. This corresponds to a minor increase of three per cent.
Reports relating to thefts from vehicles increased in the first quarter after several months of below average numbers. Most of the vehicles were left unlocked overnight with valuables inside when they were targeted by thieves.
Vehicle thefts, conversely, declined to only one report received in the last three months. Break and enters and mischief/property crime files declined substantially from the first quarter of 2011 while other crimes such as other thefts, cause disturbances and assaults saw minor increases. There were no reports of serious violent crimes (robbery/homicide), sexual assaults or business B&Es in the Princeton detachment area during the first quarter of the year.
Drug Enforcement
In the first quarter of 2012 Princeton RCMP investigated nine founded drug offences.
One of these files involved drug trafficking and is still under investigation, while the remaining eight files involved drug possession
Traffic Safety
Between January and March of 2012, Princeton RCMP charged two drivers with impaired driving under the Criminal Code. A further two drivers were given three day Immediate Roadside Prohibitions, while three drivers were given 24 hour suspensions for drug use and two drivers were given 24 hour suspensions for alcohol use.
Community Engagement
The Princeton detachment had a very busy quarter with community events. The detachment was represented by members’ attendance at the following events; Brownies, Anti-bullying day at Vermillion Forks and John Allison Elementary schools. Princeton Secondary Grad Hockey game, Princeton Legion Youth Night, Posse Jr. Hockey club, Princeton Minor Hockey and the Princeton Figure Skating club.
The Princeton detachment maintains a Community Consultative Group and remains in regular contact with the committee. Sgt. Clare has attended council meetings when requested and participates with the Highway 3 Corridor Liaison in partnership with ICBC/Traffic Services/BC Coroners Service/MOT.
The detachment remains involved with and supports the Restorative Justice Committee as well as the Rick Hansen Relay Committee. The detachment also supports and conducts Forestry Recreation Site Patrols with an MOF Recreation Officer. Representatives for the Princeton RCMP attend the Princeton Inter-Agency meetings, Princeton Ground Search and Rescue and CAPE Committee Meeting.
The Princeton Restorative Justice program has been used with success and the members continue to refer files as appropriate. There are currently five active volunteer facilitators and two files in development.
Princeton RCMP continues to appreciate the support from Citizens On Patrol, who remain a valuable resource for the detachment.
RCMP members conduct foot patrols throughout the downtown centre throughout the year as an excellent opportunity to connect informally with the community.
Prolific and Chronic Nuisance Offenders
There are currently no individuals in the Princeton RCMP detachment area who match the criteria for chronic nuisance offender.
The Area Commander supports a “Zero Tolerance” approach in regards to repeat offenders, in particular those on conditions. All breaches are treated as in-custody investigations and offenders are either held for a Bail Hearing through the JJP process or escorted to Penticton to stand before a Judge. Crime analyst reports are used to target high crime areas.
Crime Stoppers
Crime Stoppers received one tip relating to events in Princeton during the first quarter of 2012.
Youth
The Area Commander has designated school zones as a priority for the detachment. Members are committed to the safety of the youth in the community and provide a daily presence, morning and afternoon, in school zones throughout the community.