Chetwynd RCMP unveils 2023 statistics, plans for 2024 to PRRD

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – During the August 15th Committee of the Whole meeting of the Peace River Regional District, two Chetwynd RCMP officers presented the detachment’s 2023 and year-to-date statistics to the board of directors. 

Detachment commander Sergeant Wahnese Antonioni-Stevens and Corporal Jared Chapman both spoke about the changes the detachment is implementing to improve crime statistics and enforcement throughout 2024 compared to 2023. 

Due to limited staffing in 2023 and the lack of a detachment commander for several months, statistics from this time are difficult to compare.

Calls for service in 2023 were down by one per cent, but calls originating from the Saulteau First Nations reserve were up 20 per cent.

Two individuals who were identified as consistent callers reached out to RCMP concerning mental health, both for themselves and others. Since 2023, RCMP has been working with the individuals to reduce the number of calls.

Antonioni-Stevens stated that RCMP continues to work with them and does not anticipate the percentage of calls from the nation going down in 2024. 

Calls for theft were only up by a few files in 2023, and mischiefs were down by seven per cent.

The RCMP detachment received 142 mental health calls, and 64 ended in apprehension following an investigation. 

Antonioni-Stevens explained this was a significant increase from previous years, which is believed to be partially due to industry closures and residual impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Collisions were up by 24 per cent in 2023, with 78 minor collisions and 113 major collisions resulting in more than $10,000 in damages. 

27 impaired drivers were taken off the road, either impaired by drugs or alcohol, throughout 2023.

Chetwynd Director Allen Courtoreille and Antonioni-Stevens confirmed that these collisions and impaired driving incidents did not solely occur within the town of Chetwynd. Only three collisions occurred within the town, with the rest occurring within the RCMP’s patrol region but not within the town of Chetwynd itself.

During 2023, the RCMP increased their visits to vulnerable residents and event attendance, actions which Antonioni-Stevens stated has continued into 2024. 

The detachment attended 86 cultural and public events in the community throughout 2023 and had 195 referrals to Victim Services, both from the street and from the detachment. 

Moving into 2024, Antonioni-Stevens discussed changes in policing the detachment had planned, and discussed statistics gathered from April to June 30th, 2024.

During this time period, 14 impaired drivers were removed from the road, which is an increase in apprehensions from previous years.

Violation ticket numbers have also increased, with 57 issued during the same time period. The detachment is working towards reducing distracted driving enforcement and has deployed 2 border stops, with binoculars and scopes allowing RCMP to monitor drivers from a kilometer away. 

The RCMP has also changed its approach to crime reduction, increasing intervention for repeat violent offenders and individuals with outstanding warrants. 

The detachment has received 98 referrals to Victim Services and has attended 39 events in the region to support education.

Antonioni-Stevens also explained that the RCMP is working towards correcting issues with non-road legal vehicles driving on the roadways.