Salmon Arm's RCMP staff sergeant anticipates further charges and arrests for child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
Delivering his first quarterly report as the city's top cop, Staff Sgt. Simon Scott, while sharing a couple of investigation highlights from the last quarter of 2024, noted an increase in "child pornography" investigations that he said has kept the detachment's general investigations section busy.
"We have been able to make an arrest on one of the files with charges being forwarded to Crown counsel," said Scott. "The others are still under investigation and I foresee more charges stemming from some of those investigations as well."
The term "child pornography" was recently changed in the Canada Criminal Code to "child abuse and exploitation material."
The other highlight involved a pair of prolific property offenders who Scott said had been "committing a great deal of the theft from local businesses." Both men have been arrested and for one of them, police have recommend two charges for break and enter, four charges of theft under $5,000, as well as charges for flight from police, dangerous driving, and obstruction of justice. The second man has been charged with seven counts of theft under $5,000, with two more charges of the same having been forwarded to Crown counsel.
"Both of those male are actually currently incarcerated still," said Scott at the Jan. 27 council meeting.
Between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2024, officers of the Salmon Arm detachment responded to 1,654 calls for service, with 1,263 of those being within the city. Overall, the detachment received 70 less reports during the same quarter in 2023. While overall criminal activity trended downward, sexual offences, thefts from motor vehicles and motor-vehicle fatalities were up. There was also a slight increase in mental-health related calls.
Regarding traffic enforcement, 204 traffic stops were made in the final four months of 2024, which led to three high-risk driving charges. Police also responded to 11 collisions with damage over $10,000, that involved injury and/or fatality.
Scott noted Salmon Arm police worked with city bylaw staff over the past quarter "in dealing with a few problem residences in town."
Another highlight for the detachment was the acquisition of a 40mm extended range impact weapon, which allows officers to deliver a non-lethal round while "maintaining a safe distance from the subject they're arresting."
Scott concluded his quarterly report by sharing his gratitude to the city "for the trust and confidence placed in me to take on this leadership role."
"The promotion is not just a reflection of my personal journey, but also the incredible mentorship, support and collaboration I have been fortunate to experience within the community and the RCMP鈥�," said Scott, noting how, over past two-and-a-half years he's been at the local detachment, the community has come to hold a special place in his heart.
"As staff sergeant, my commitment remains steadfast to ensure the safety and well being of every resident in the community," said Scott. "I aim to lead with transparency, integrity and accountability, ensuring our detachment continues to foster trust and collaboration with the people that we serve."
