Crime statistics continue to trend downward in Elk Point, according to RCMP Sergeant Nolan, who presented the quarterly policing report to council Monday evening.

“For about the past two and a half years I would say it’s steadily declining,” Nolan told council.

He attributed the reduction to targeted efforts focusing on prolific offenders — a small percentage of individuals responsible for a large portion of crime.

“When you start having to do the work to reign these guys in, it takes a while,” he explained.

Nolan noted that enforcement alone is not always the solution. Many offenders struggle with addictions or mental health challenges.

“Sometimes just getting the help that they need and getting them into treatment facilities helps lower that crime rate as well,” he said.

Council members expressed appreciation for the improved statistics and emphasized the importance of continued visibility within the community.

“The more people see you, the more they feel protected and safe,” one councillor commented.

Traffic safety and youth driving habits were also raised as concerns, along with ATV enforcement and public education initiatives.

Nolan encouraged residents to report suspicious activity.

“Sometimes people think, ‘I’m not going to phone in because that doesn’t matter,’ but that may be the missing piece of information that we need to solve something,” he said.

Council also learned about the RCMP’s Real-Time Operations Centre in Alberta, which provides analytical support to frontline officers.

Mayor Cochrane thanked the detachment for its collaboration with council.

“It’s good that we have a solid detachment that’s in our community and wants to help work with the community,” she said.