Submitted by Staff Sgt. Darren Simons
Well, another Christmas and New Years has come and gone.
Over the Holidays there was “Room at the Inn” and we had several individuals that spent time with us. We often do this to ensure an offence does not continue, or an offence does not take place. We then often release individuals in the morning without charges, however, they still may have a hangover.
Even though we always have “Room at the Inn”, however, we often give rides elsewhere to separate individuals or sometimes just with our presence resolve things. “Who called the Cops?”
A youth called 911 because they could not get in touch with a parent. We explained to the youth the purpose and importance of 911.
We had a False Alarm, we always get false alarms and we also always get Mental Health Calls.
We had a couple of assault investigations that were concluded very quick do to the lack of cooperation of the alleged victim. “Why did you call the Cops?” On one case the alleged victim stated they had “fallen”. I have been to this rodeo before, If they fell it was on a fist, however, without cooperation there is not much we can do.
Another assault investigation also resulted in a non-cooperative victim. That said, the alleged accused did not appreciate the attendance of the Police and was subsequently charged for assaulting a Police Officer. In another incident an individual stopped for a traffic infraction chose to not identify themselves. This individual was subsequently charged with obstruction. I am not sure why people choose to aggravate the situation, but they do.
We responded to several more “Assaults” which appeared to be arguments. If they continued to argue after the Police left it was in whispers.
We had an allegation of assault between two individuals which is a “He said, he said” situation. This is complicated being both parties appear to be lacking credibility. Believe it or not we get lied to a lot, like a lot. Too much, but we are use to it.
It has not been a good couple weeks for moose, elk and deer. Between Conservation Officers and Mounties one of each was put down.
We have had several thefts reported including a break and enter and theft.
As it relates to cheques, maybe, just maybe, don’t accept them. Cash or Credit only.
The boyfriend calls fearful that the husband of his girlfriend is, well, this is where it gets complicated. No charges, but we have to get this relationship down to “two only”.
There is a difference between “Harassment” and “Criminal Harassment” For the Police to be involved you must fear for your safety or the safety of others. If it is continued communication by phone, fax or e-mail you don’t have to fear for your safety being this is Harassing Communications. That said it is so much easier to just block the number or e-mail than involve the Police.
We had another individual report they responded to an e-mail and provided their Social Insurance Number and date of birth. They were provided the number to the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre 1-888-495-8501, changed their password and obtained a new bank card.
One of our hotels had an unwanted guest who refused to pay or leave. With our assistance they left.
A gold coloured vehicle was observed driving erratically and leaving the road. Patrols were made, however, unfortunately we did not locate the vehicle.
We issued a $360 ticket for a minor possessing liquor. This driver also received a 60-day driving suspension for alcohol in their system due to the driver having a graduated licence. We also provided a 72 hour driving suspension to another driver. The message of don’t drink and drive is not being heard.
Our Members were busy over the holidays. The most expensive speeding tickets were $562 and $570.
If SGI will not register your vehicle don’t drive over to the RCMP and complain to them. We subsequently towed the vehicle for not being registered and the driver was issued a ticket for driving while suspended.
One individual was pulled over for speeding and showed their displeasure by utilizing profanity and sarcasm, and the Member showed their displeasure and gave a ticket, wait, nope, the Member just gave out a ticket and warned the violator that the roads were icy and to be careful. Apparently the violator already *&^%$ new that. Shortly afterward the same Member pulled over another violator, they pulled over quickly put on their 4 way flashers apologized, admitted they had been speeding and - tada, they got a warning.
Several people were issued tickets for not wearing their seatbelt. It is not like it was legal last year and not legal this year.
We had individuals who received warnings, inspection notices or tickets for no insurance $580, fail to provide certificate of registration $100, Fail to Stop $230, obstructed licence plate, fail to produce drivers licence $100, insecure load, no drivers licence $150, unlawful sun screen or window tint $115, fail to wear seatbelt $175, discard a burning substance from a vehicle $150, stunting, unattached licence plate, permit or use wrong licence plate $175, inadequate daytime running lights, excessive damage to windshield $115.00, inadequate licence plate lights, and obstructed window.
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The following is a synopsis of some of the interactions we had over the week of January 3rd to January 10th. There is more, some we cannot discuss and some which we should not or can not discuss.
We received a 911 hang-up from one of our schools. We were initially unable to contact anyone upon calling back and Members were dispatched, however, the Principle was able to confirm everything was OK previous to their arrival.
There was a fight at a residence between a couple of intoxicated individuals, one who was arrested and lodged after being deemed medically fit by a Doctor. Apparently this individual had a disagreement with the back of the patrol vehicle and struck the area with his fist. The officers did not observe the rear area of the Police vehicle strike back.
Members responded to another fight amongst intoxicated individuals at a residence. Two individuals were provided a place to rest and sober up and were released later without charges.
A call of an assault in an multi unit dwelling resulted in one individual being lodged. It appears one neighbour was less than neighbourly with the other and a physical confrontation occurred as well as some minor property damage. The alleged victim does not want changes. That is so neighbourly of them. Unfortunately for the arrested individual, well they had to stay a little longer so that our Justice of the Peace could release them on outstanding charges from Yorkton that they “Forgot about”
A driver was stopped by the Fillmore Detachment and provided a warning for their driving and ........well, they did not heed this warning. This driver was then stopped in Arcola after another complaint of erratic driving. A $280 ticket for Careless Driving as well as a warning for not notifying SGI of an address change was provide by the Police. Some people don’t listen.
If you want to destroy a firearm and you are not sure how to do it contact your local RCMP Detachment. We will come to your residence and we will have you sign some paperwork and we will destroy it. We do not suggest you walk into our Detachment carrying a gun. It does not look good.
Many people are released previous to court on conditions. This would be on a Recognizance, or an Undertaking, or after court on Probation, or as part of a Conditional Sentence Order which is a sentence served at home. Many don’t comply with these conditions, some as simple as reside at a certain location, not consume alcohol, curfew and not have contact with another individual. We are now looking for an individual who chose to live somewhere else. This is not a bad thing, it is just they needed to advise the RCMP first.
We had an individual that had one of their on line accounts hacked. They unknowingly bought two video game consoles. The Anti Fraud Centre was made aware and fortunately the victim is not paying for someone else electronics.
Three individuals failed to appear in Court as per their release documents. When you go to court you should stay until you know for certain what happened. One individual heard their name, the matter was set over to be called back and the individual chose to leave. When they were not there later in the day a warrant was issued for their arrest. They were subsequently arrested and brought to court in Estevan. Another individual found out we were looking for them and they turned themselves in. This individual was also brought to Estevan. The third individual is still on warrant status. Two out of three is not bad.
An intoxicated individual was causing problems at one of our Hospital’s. Members attended and lodged the individual and released the individual later on charges of Mischief.
Members were occupied with another call when they were advised of an individual that may be stranded on the side of the highway in Kenosee. Fortunately our good friends in EMS located this individual and provided them a ride to a safe location.
A 911 call was received from an intoxicated individual. A Member was just across the street and attended. This individual had obviously over indulged in their use of alcohol and marihuana and they were arrested for Mischief (Property Damage). They were not happy and threatened a Police Officer, which as you can imagine was counter productive. Now they were not just getting a room to rest and recuperate, they were being charged with Uttering Threats. We never did determine why the individual called 911, that said this is not the first time someone has called 911 on themselves.
Members responded to a break and enter in progress. This incident was observed from the neighbours by the owner of the residence and their neighbour. They had a hockey stick and were, well we were not sure what they were going to do but it is Canada and winter so a hockey stick is a good thing to have, or is it? Members were dispatched and there was a Member in the area, however, the suspect was the son of the owner and all was resolved before the arrival of the Police. Believe it or not we don’t mind these calls. We would rather be on the way and aware instead of getting the “A half hour ago, or a day ago I saw . . . ”
We are investigating a gas and dash in Redvers. We were able to identify the thief and charges are expected shortly.
An intoxicated individual was dropped off at a business in Kenosee. This individual was disorderly and causing problems. Upon arrival of the RCMP this individual was arrested and lodged and released the following morning. No new charges were dealt with, however, there were outstanding charges that were dealt with by providing the accused a new court date.
We are investigating allegations of harassment. If you know someone does not want to see you, or is afraid of you, don’t be going to the same place they go to. If you do so, don’t be surprised to hear from the RCMP.
With modern technology it is amazing how quick we panic when we can not contact someone. Sometimes, people don’t want to respond to your text message, e-mail, or phone call. Give it some time. Although we don’t wait 24 hrs to initiate a missing person investigation, as you see on Television, we don’t panic when your friend, family member, significant other or child does not respond to your efforts to contact them instantly. Please consider the fact they may not want to hear from you.
We had an intoxicated individual leave a residence in the cold winter weather. Before Members could attend and locate this individual they smartened up and returned home. They may have been hot and bothered when they left, however, the cold weather probably cooled them down.
A vehicle was noted to have a driver without a seatbelt. The vehicle was also noted to have a cracked windshield and red tape for a tail light. This was a “Farm Truck” and the driver suggested it might not need to be repaired. If it is registered and drives on a Highway or Roadway it must be road worthy. Even if it is a “Farm Truck”
An individual was stopped for rolling through a stop sign, upon approaching the driver the Police Officer noted the seatbelt was not properly worn. Upon bringing this to the attention of the driver they responded with words to the effect “Thanks Mom” The sarcasm continued and they received a ticket for the stop sign and improper use of the seatbelt. When provided the tickets the driver stated, “Thank you I needed sometime to wipe my rear end with.” Sometimes I think we should carry a shovel so that when people begin to dig a hole for themselves we can make it easier and provide the shovel. This individual was only going to get a warning, however, they got two tickets. We get paid to do our job, we don’t get paid to take abuse. Trust me I checked the Criminal Code, Provincial Statutes and our own Policy. It is not there.
We received a call from a complainant who was stuck between a pilot vehicle and a wide load in blowing snow and, well I am not sure what to say. Members actually looked out the Detachment window and watched the vehicles go by. If it is windy and it is snowy drive for the road conditions. We should all know by now getting behind a semi is such conditions is nothing less than counter productive.
Members noted a vehicle hauling a trailer with invalid registration and when they attempted to pull the vehicle over with lights and sirens the vehicle did not pull over for an extended period of time. Folks, sometimes one should look in their rear view mirror, maybe turn the music down. I am not sure what else to say except this violator received two tickets. One for the trailer not being registered and one for failing to pull over to the right when approached by an emergency vehicle.
Tickets were issued for: No Insurance (four in total) $580 , speeding (Most expensive $209), seatbelt (five in total) $175, fail to comply with licence endorsement $150, and stop sign $230.
Inspection Notices were issued for: properly attach licence plate to vehicle, repair rear bumper, remove window tint, and replace windshield.
Warnings were provided for: speeding, stop sign, stunting, inadequate mudflaps or fenders, fail to produce registration. fail to produce drivers licence, obstructed licence plate, and fail to dim head lights.
Please don’t forget that this is Saskatchewan and the road conditions can change quickly. Ensure you have a full tank of gas, a fully charged phone and warm clothing.
