Port Hardy Staff Sgt. Wes Olsen delivered Port Alice’s year-end statistics, as well as the latest quarterly report, both of which saw a drop in crime, at the village’s last council meeting in February. Olsen explained that there has been a steady decline in files reported in the village for the last three years.
“For the quarter, which was October 31 through December 31 2017, there were a total of 36 files accounted for in that time frame,” said Olsen, adding, “The total for the year for 2017 is 191 files, which is down from the previous year’s 235.”
Olsen noted that “It was pretty static between 2012 and 2015, the file count was anywhere from 312 to 324 for those years and then in 2016 it was 235 and in 2017 it was 191.”
Of the 36 files reported for the quarter, highlights included two break and enters, false alarm, immediate roadside prohibition for driving, and two street checks.
“The numbers are low because, as you know, the two members were not actively working that whole time frame, said Olsen, adding, “That can reflect in the overall numbers as well because most of the stuff you are seeing there is reactionary policing as opposed to proactive.”
Mayor Jan Allen also took the opportunity to tell Olsen that the village’s main priority will be keeping the two Port Alice RCMP officer postings in the village, as the two current members posted in the village are scheduled to be leaving later this year.
“You know how anxious we are to find out if the two RCMP officers will remain here,” said Allen, adding she expects to find out the RCMP’s decision regarding the postings later in April.
Olsen noted that RCMP Supt. Sean Sullivan is aware of the village’s position.
“You guys have your priorities and what you want, but the fact that you are engaged in the process and wanting the best for the community — he’s cognizant of that for sure,” said Olsen, adding, “Whatever may happen down the road, I can guarantee he has a vested interest in Port Alice and how we move forward.”