Police taped off a back alley near 15th and 14th Street West. (file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Dawson Thompson

Police Patrol

Police chief says recent violent crimes ‘not random’

Oct 8, 2020 | 1:59 PM

Prince Albert’s Chief of Police is trying to calm the public’s nerves following a series of violent crimes in the community.

Chief Jonathan Bergen said six homicides this year have resulted in the deaths of eight people including two children. During a press conference Thursday, Bergen also confirmed a shooting incident Tuesday night in Prince Albert is now being investigated as a homicide.

“We’ve made arrests in all but two homicide files this year and continue to investigate,” Bergen said. “Our police service has responded to other shootings and serious calls this year with ongoing investigations that include suspicious circumstances related to a missing person and one person also remains in hospital with serious and life-threatening injuries.”

Bergen said the crimes do not appear to be random in nature and are likely tied to gang activity.

“When we examine the gun violence in our city we see these incidents are not random and most often the victim and suspect are known to each other. Violence has a lasting effect on the community, and we acknowledge this and we are all concerned,” Bergen said.

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So far this year, Prince Albert police members have responded to more than 31,000 calls for service which is 2,400 more than this time last year. They’ve investigated 56 firearms incidents and laid 28 charges in connection to them. Of those 56 incidents, the firearms were discharged 32 times. Officers have also seized 107 firearms this year, compared to 89 last year and 74 the year before.

In an effort to address the crime, Bergen recently selected experienced members for a new select enforcement team that will focus on crime suppression including gang activity and proactive enforcement. The team will support patrol shifts and be deployed at key times.

“This is in addition to our continued efforts to address crime trends through high visibility neighbourhood patrols, foot patrols, police and crisis team, K9 units, integrated crime reduction, street enforcement teams along with our community partnerships,” he explained.

The positions aren’t new. They’re being pulled from other departments. Bergen said major incidents or difficult violent offences takes its toll on the community and on his staff.

“When there is a higher than normal amount of these incidents, it can be draining but I can tell you the commitment is unwavering and our staff are fully engaged to resolve each incident by holding the offenders accountable and concluding each with a charge.”

Bergen said the police service will continue to look at the root causes of crime alongside various levels of government and community groups. Drugs and alcohol addictions and mental health issues are significant factors, so connecting people with resources is important.

“We are continually reviewing all trends and patterns of crime in our city and we will continue to do our best to be fully responsible with our resources to meet the needs of our community and respond to all threats of public safety.”

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Dawson.thompson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: dawsonthompson8