• Due to the magic of technology this report is being typed while I am in Deschambault Lake assisting the Detachment up here. So far since the beginning of September, seven of us have been up here from eight days to two weeks. It is a great learning experience for these members and a "flashback" for me, seeing as well, I served quite a bit of time up north.
• The fraud experts (Criminals) are finding new and unique ways to get your money. Canada Revenue the courts and the RCMP are cash only organizations. We will not ask for you to make payment in "google play" cards, apple phone cards, bit coin, or in a denomination that is not Canadian Currency. Just don't make the payment. The latest concern that I have read about is the fraudsters are pretending to be Police Officers. If you get a call from an individual stating they are a Police Officer, and to confirm this they ask you to call your local Police Detachment or service, we request you be very careful. Somehow some of these criminals are taking control of your phone and when you call the Police they are still on the line and answer as if they are the Police. If you have done nothing wrong do not panic and provide any personal information. We will not be coming to arrest you. If you are uncertain call the Detachment later or call a friend for advice, or even use another phone or come to the Detachment.
• We had our share of strange calls through 911 this week. Someone reported they took their child's game system and their child had a tantrum and then began to hit themselves. That is it, that is all . . . no further involvement required by the RCMP and we are not sure why they even called, except due to exasperation. Being a parent is not always easy. This is another example where 911 should not have been used. If you call 310-RCMP (7267), we can provide advice support and follow up options.
• Another 911 call involved an individual that was worried because when they phoned their apparent significant other someone else answered the phone and, wait for it, . . . they possibly may have heard their significant other scream in the background. Members followed up and confirmed that everything was okay with the significant other, however, we are uncertain as to their present relationship status. We did not disclose where the significant other was, rather we just confirmed they were okay.
• Finally we had an individual call 911 to report an unwanted guest. The caller would not tell us where they were, or who the unwanted guest was, however, did call the dispatcher "dumb" and hung up. Members had an idea of who the caller was and a possible idea where they were calling from, however, patrols were unsuccessful in finding the caller, or the unwanted guest. We are looking at a charge for misusing 911 in this case.
• We appreciate the report of a suspicious looking Police Vehicle with markings not that of the RCMP pulling vehicles over. Just so you are all aware, our colleagues from Estevan, Weyburn and Regina Police Service all partake in the Combined Traffic Services Section and they venture out this way. Oh yeah, if they give you a ticket you still have to pay it even though they are not Members of the RCMP.
• An alarm company called our Detachment to advise that one of their clients was possibly having a medical emergency. They did not provide any further information and were not going to call an ambulance, rather they wanted us to. We went and confirmed assistance was required and then called EMS who attended to treat an individual for minor injuries. The moral of the story here is to read the fine print when you sign a contract. Do you really want the alarm company calling the RCMP for a medical call? Especially, let us say, a company from south of the 49th parallel that does not even know what RCMP stands for? As we did in this case we will attend before we call our brethren in EMS because as is often the case we find alarms are false and why waste the services of two first responder agencies unnecessarily.
• Three friends went for a walk together and by the end of the walk two had assaulted one and both those that committed the assault will be charged. We cannot confirm their "status", as it relates to Social Media, however, we don't think they are friends anymore.
• We are investigating an assault and utter threats. Our investigation is in its infancy right now.
• An individual became angry and approached a situation the wrong way and was subsequently charged with 10 Criminal offences including assault with a weapon, careless use of a firearm and assault. This individual was held in custody and brought to court and presently remains in custody.
• ‘Tis the joyous season, Santa, elves, Christmas lights and yes, the Grinch. In our most recent files, yes, more than one that relates to the Grinch we have an individual or individuals that are unplugging lights and taking away the Christmas Cheer. We know it is a minor matter, but would you want others walking on your property at night? In the dark? Patrols will be made, because, well, we generally like looking at Christmas lights during our patrols, who wouldn't? Wait, yes the Grinch.
• We have an investigation in relation to animal cruelty. It is alleged that an individual or individuals are shooting at cattle causing minor injuries and most recently a fatality to a bull. This may be accidental being it is hunting season, however, please make sure you are cognizant as to where your firearm is pointed and where the bullet may end up if you happen to miss what your are shooting at.
• On the subject of hunting we would like to ensure everyone is aware of where you are and ensure you have permission to hunt where you are. Sometimes it is more of a courtesy to the landowners so they know who is on their land, and for safety so too many people don't end up in the same area where someone could get injured or in more tragic cases killed. Take the time to get permission please.
• We continue to monitor individuals who have difficulty complying with their release conditions. One individual who has been having challenges is hanging around with another individual who is also on release conditions. This was not a good call on either individual and now both are facing charges.
• Members were conducting a curfew check on an individual and determined the individual was not there. This individual was later caught speeding at a high rate of speed and was breached by the arresting officer and charged for breaching their release conditions. If you are late, you are late. It does not matter how fast you go you are still late and if you get caught you may also get a speeding ticket as this individual did.
• We had an anonymous call that an individual was breaching their release conditions. This information is appreciated, however, it complicates our investigation if you will not tell us where the individual is.
• If you see a 420 pound propane tank somewhere it should not be, or with someone it should not be with, please call the RCMP. It had Eco-Green Energy on it when it was stolen.
• We know it is frustrating when a vehicle shoots a rock at your vehicle and it strikes your vehicle and damages the windshield. Unfortunately, this is not a police matter. Stuff happens. It is not deliberate, thus we cannot charge someone or even lecture them. If an object falls from a vehicle and strikes yours, that is another story. This would be an unsecure load.
• We had a couple of collisions. Please practice defensive driving and recognize driving conditions can change very quickly in the winter.
• Members issued approximately 15 warnings and approximately 15 tickets over the last week.
• Tickets were issued for window tint - $115, driver fail to ensure daily log is completed - $150, cell phone - $280, no drivers licence - $150, obstructed licence plate - $150, stop sign - $230, no drivers licence - $150, and most expensive speeding ticket was for $208
• Warnings were issued for inadequate windshield, fail to stop at stop sign, fail to wear a seatbelt, and follow a vehicle too closely.
• Inspection notices were issued for remove window tint, daytime running lights and inadequate windshield.
