RCMP presents January stats to M.D. of Taber Council

By Brylan Span
Vauxhall Advance
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In a recent presentation to M.D. of Taber Council, Stewart Gemmill of the Taber/Vauxhall RCMP detachment provided an overview of the policing activities for the month of January 2024. The presentation covered various aspects including calls for service, patrols, criminal investigations, and community engagement efforts.

According to Gemmill’s report, the RCMP responded to a total of 89 calls for service in January, with the majority, 76 calls, occurring within the M.D. of Taber. Notably, there were no reported cases of impaired driving during this period, indicating a positive trend in road safety within the community.

Among the reported statistics were two Criminal Code violations within the M.D. of Taber, as well as a decrease in 911 hang-up calls, which Gemmill described as “really good” compared to previous months. Additionally, the RCMP conducted 35 criminal record checks and processed three fingerprints requests for the general public during the month.

Patrol activities were also highlighted, with a total of 133 patrols conducted within the M.D., including specific focus on the hamlets of Enchant with 13, Grassy Lake with 28, and Hays with 12. Patrols also took place at both the Taber and Enchant municipal parks.

Regarding enforcement activities, Gemmill noted that violation tickets were relatively low, attributing this to the weather conditions experienced in January. He assured council that the numbers will increase, stating “there will be an improvement in February.” Despite this, the RCMP was actively involved in responding to collisions and other incidents, laying charges in five criminal investigations during the month.

The RCMP responded to two complaints of family violence in January according to Gemmill. “Charges were laid where evidence existed, offence had been committed, and all available supports were provided to the victims.”

In addressing previous concerns raised by Reeve Tamara Miyanaga regarding victim services, Gemmill assured the council that arrangements with the Taber Police Chief would allow continued access to victim services until provincial services were fully operational. Miyanaga expressed appreciation for the update.

Looking ahead, Gemmill discussed the RCMP’s priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, seeking input from the council on what they saw as key priorities for the detachment to focus on. 2023 saw priorities set on family violence, visibility within the community, and traffic safety.

In closing, Miyanaga expressed gratitude for the dedication of Gemmill and the RCMP members within the M.D. of Taber stating “we appreciate the service that you and your members are providing to our communities.”

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