2020 Annual Report

Working together to create safe New Brunswick communities

Table of Contents

• Part of Your Community
• Message from the Minister of Justice and Public Safety
• Message from the Commanding Officer
• Your RCMP – At a Glance
• Accountability and Transparency
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• Indigenous and Community Policing
• CORE Policing – Criminal Operations
• The New Brunswick RCMP and COVID-19
• Drug offences in New Brunswick
• Alert Ready and Critical Incident Messaging
• Traffic by the Numbers
• Protecting the Most Vulnerable
• Recruiting – Join Canada's Largest Police Force
• Federal Policing
• Codiac Regional RCMP
• Northeast District
• West District
• Southeast District
• Divisional Overview
• The Way Forward

Connect With Us

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• facebook.com/rcmpnb
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Part of Your Community

Every day, the RCMP in New Brunswick works hard, not only to solve crime, but to prevent it. From conducting checkstops to curbing unsafe driving practices, leading investigations to help reduce the illegal drugs available on our streets, or simply reaching out to at-risk young people, we are committed to making a positive difference. While police have a vital role to play, our success rests heavily on strong partnerships within the communities we serve, with other law enforcement agencies and with our partners. Working together, we can achieve our collective goal in New Brunswick: to keep our beautiful province and its people safe and secure.

Tle'k Kwutanminaq

Te'sikiskik, Sikniktikewa'kikewaq Nuji-kla'qa'lua'tijik atikneta'jik, panuijkatmnew aqq naqa'tunew o'pla'tekemk. Nuji-kla'qa'lua'tijik jiko'taqatijik aqq enqa'la'tijik wenik kulaman ma' kepaqsayjimkuti'k, nikana'tu'tij tel-panuijkatmumk tel-piskwa'q wini-mpisun ntui'skasiktn wutank aqq apoqnmua'tijik nutqo'ltijik ta'n kitnma'tilijik, ketu' apoqntmek wula'siktn ta'n telo'ltimk. Nuji-kla'qa'lua'tijik keknue'k ta'n tel-lukuti'tij katu kulaman wul-pmiatew koqoey, nuta'tij apoqnmasuti wejiaq wutanl ta'n etl-lukutijik, pilue'l nuji-kla'qa'lua'timkl aqq wunaqapemuaq. Maw-lukuti'k, kisa'tesnu ta'n koqoey nuta'q maliaptasin Sikniktik: kulaman ne'kaw wla'sitew teli-anko'tmumkl aqq teli-westawikl wutanl aqq wulkaqnitew wikimk Sikniktik.

Wiciyawtomuhpon Ewikultiyeq

Ehtahsi Kiskahk, Nuci tqonkehcik yut nkitahkomikumon New Brunswick, sikoluhkhotuwok, kat tehpu 'kiluwapotomuniya memhuwi wapololuhkhotimok kenoq ona 'toqeci 'kolamatomuniya wapololuhkhotimok. 'Cipotuk tan tuci 'cuwi 'conelawa yuhut wosami kakawoqittucik, 'qeci nikani wewisiniya mesq petankuwetasikil wiwoneskahsuwikol awtik, kosona tehpu 'qeci 'qolopehlaniya yukt ewasisuwici mace wapolitahasulticik, nekayiw tehc wolluhkhotipon. Woli kcicihtasu nuci tqonkehcik ehcuwoluhkatomuhtit, ntahcuwapeman tena psiw etoluhkeweq naka psiw witoluhkemeq qaskuwiktaqiyil. Mawoluhkhotimok, komac ksahsonuwiw, 'kisihc mawi wicuhketomonen 'sankewawsuwakon yut nkitahkomikumon New Brunswick.

Message from the Minister of Justice and Public Safety

We've seen monumental changes in our professional and personal lives since the pandemic began last year.

While in many professions there have been easy-to-implement technological solutions to adapt to COVID-19, the same cannot be said for all aspects of law enforcement. There is no substitute for officers in communities and on the streets. You cannot comfort victims over FaceTime, you cannot do road checks on Skype, and you cannot investigate a crime scene via Microsoft Teams.

You have remained on the front lines and New Brunswickers are the better for it.

The past year has been marked by great upheaval and unprecedented circumstances, but it was comforting to know there was something we could depend on: the professionalism of the RCMP and its pride in a job well done. There is one certainty as we head into the second year of the pandemic, the province will be depending on the RCMP once again.

I would like to thank all members of the RCMP for their continued dedication to keeping New Brunswick safe.

Hon. Hugh J. Flemming, Q.C.
Minister of Justice and Public Safety
Attorney General

Message from the Commanding Officer

The professionalism of the New Brunswick RCMP is always the most apparent in times of adversity. I have never been more grateful for the quality of our policing professionals, or more proud to lead our people, as I have been during the past year.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on every aspect of our personal and professional lives, and continues to have many implications for the future. The historic application of the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Act, and its length and scope, required new and innovative approaches to law enforcement across the province. We worked diligently with partners and communities to ensure appropriate enforcement and collaboration, as we all adapted to a rapidly shifting environment.

Throughout it all, our priorities of public safety and security remained constant. Our strategic, intelligence-led approach saw the execution of targeted investigations and operations, focussing on those causing the most harm in our communities.

The past year also presented opportunities for new approaches, efficiencies and innovation. We continue to work to be accountable and transparent, to reflect our communities, and to lead by example.

We continue to grow and learn as an organization, to acknowledge where we can improve and take the necessary steps to ensure we are doing all we can to support our employees and the people we serve. When we work together, we are stronger and more prepared for whatever is to come.

I thank you for your continued trust in the New Brunswick RCMP and look forward to our ongoing work together.

Assistant Commissioner Larry Tremblay, M.O.M.
New Brunswick RCMP Commanding Officer

Your RCMP – At a Glance

Did You Know?

The New Brunswick RCMP employs 1,254 people^{Footnote 1} (856 Regular Members, 398 Non-uniformed employees).

As per RCMP Employment Equity Representation Report:

• 37% are female employees
• 23.4% of supervisory positions are held by women
• 6.3% are Indigenous employees/Regular Members
• 4.2% are racially diverse employees
• 1.7% are employees with diverse abilities
• 74.9% of employees are officially bilingual

$157-million spent by the NB RCMP in fiscal year 2020. The majority is invested back into New Brunswick communities by:

• Employees who pay taxes, own properties, purchase goods and services and donate to local charities.
• RCMP purchases of equipment and supplies.

Accountability and Transparency

The New Brunswick RCMP knows that people care about the work police are doing in their communities. We want citizens to know what our members are doing every day to keep our province safe – to reduce, solve and prevent crime.

Daily Occurrence Report

• A snapshot of some of the calls RCMP officers respond to in a 24-hour period.
• Total calls for service and priority levels for the 24-hour period.
• Available at Daily occurrence reports

We regularly share information about our work in news releases, on social media, the annual report, and quarterly reports to the province's 12 Regional Service Commissions.

Regional Service Commission Quarterly Reports

• Local policing priorities, identified and set in collaboration with communities.
• Targeted initiatives to address local issues of concern.

2019-2020 Client and Partner Surveys

• 97% of New Brunswickers feel the RCMP's contribution to keeping Canadians safe is important.
• 83% feel the RCMP demonstrates professionalism in dealings with the public.

The New Brunswick RCMP remains committed to implementing new ways to share information about the work we do with those we serve.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Policing is about people. The New Brunswick RCMP is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion among our employees and in the communities we serve. Our diverse backgrounds provide invaluable experience, broaden understanding, strengthen relationships and maximize engagement.

What's in a Name?

Respectful dialogue begins with appropriate vocabulary. The RCMP widely consults to ensure the words we use are reflective and respectful of all those we serve, and to remove outdated terms. We actively seek input from affected groups to help us stay current with preferred, appropriate and inclusive language.

Input

We value the individual experiences of our employees, by seeking ongoing input and regular advice from the Indigenous Employee Advisory Committee and the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee works to ensure inclusivity within the New Brunswick RCMP. We believe in the importance of giving a voice to and ensuring equitable opportunities for all employees.

The Indigenous Employee Advisory Committee has representatives from all categories of employees and ranks, who serve as a conduit for change within the New Brunswick RCMP. The committee provides advice and recommendations to the Commanding Officer on ways of continuously improving our service.

New Brunswick RCMP has implemented the Official Languages Strategic Action Plan to increase the number of bilingual employees and the quality of their language skills. Our employees also speak 26 other languages, including various Indigenous languages, Farsi, Japanese, Estonian, Gaelic and more.

Training and development

New Brunswick RCMP employees take a variety of mandatory courses fostering awareness of the perspectives of Indigenous Peoples, LGBTQIA2S+ and persons with diverse abilities. There are also required courses on gender, bias awareness, cultural awareness and humility, mental health, and crisis intervention and de-escalation.

Indigenous and Community Policing

The New Brunswick RCMP strives to be a culturally responsive partner. We understand the value in recognizing and respecting our differences, and of approaching our work and relationships with empathy, consideration, and mutually respectful dialogue, so we may serve our communities with awareness, understanding and compassion.

We work closely and consult regularly with Indigenous Chiefs, Elders, councils and communities on local needs, priorities and issues.

Respect of Culture, Tradition and Beliefs

The Eagle Feather may be used in a similar way to swearing on a Bible, or simply to help provide comfort in challenging times. In 2020, the New Brunswick RCMP began offering the option of holding an Eagle Feather to anyone providing statements or being interviewed by a police officer, or while swearing an oath or affirmation.

The Kairos Blanket Exercise

The Kairos Blanket Exercise was developed with Indigenous Elders and helps participants gain a better understanding and appreciation of Indigenous perspectives, experiences and resilience. It is offered to New Brunswick RCMP employees at all levels.

Did You Know?

• The RCMP provides policing services to 14 of New Brunswick's 15 First Nations
• 6.3% Indigenous employees
• 6 Community Program Officers dedicated to Indigenous Communities

CORE Policing – Criminal Operations

All of the New Brunswick RCMP's frontline policing professionals and essential operational support employees are critical to our effectiveness. Our success is the direct result of their unwavering dedication to the calls for service we receive.

Calls for service

• 2019 – 124,094
• 2020 – 144,486^{Footnote 2}
• Up 14.1%

Top 10 calls for service

1. Moving traffic – speeding violations – 16,250
2. False alarms – 7,537
3. Other non-moving traffic – 7,397
4. Other moving traffic violations – 5,044
5. Mental Health Act – other activities – 4,932
6. False/abandoned 911 call – 4,422
7. Suspicious person/vehicle/property – 3,907
8. Assistance to general public – 3,755
9. Assault – 3,646
10. Traffic collisions – property damage non-reportable – 3,249

Top 10 Criminal Code Offences 2020

1. Mischief – Damage to property – 7,276,
2. Assault – 3,646
3. Other theft under $5000 – 2,982
4. Disturbing the peace/Causing a disturbance – 2,779
5. Fraud (money/property/security) less than or equal to $5000 – 2,775
6. Uttering threats against a person – 2,741
7. Operation while impaired (alcohol)/over 80mg% of Motor Vehicle – 2,039
8. Criminal Harassment – 1,380
9. Break and Enter – Residence – 1,248
10. Theft under or equal to $5000 from a motor vehicle – 1,003

The New Brunswick RCMP and COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has required great flexibility by everyone. The New Brunswick RCMP has adjusted and adapted to the new reality by prioritizing the safety of employees. This includes ensuring appropriate protective equipment, developing COVID-19 related policies and procedures, and following provincial and federal guidelines and recommendations.

Throughout the pandemic response, the fundamental nature of what we do and our focus on the primacy of operations has not changed. We continued to investigate crimes and conduct targeted operations to reduce, solve and prevent crime in our province.

Drug offences in New Brunswick

In 2020, the New Brunswick RCMP took a coordinated law enforcement approach with our policing partners to disrupt and dismantle illegal drug operations, targeting those causing the most harm in our communities. As a result, there were several significant seizures of drugs including methamphetamine, cocaine and synthetic opioids. We also seized restricted and prohibited firearms, ammunition, and other illegal weapons.

Drug Offences Involving

• Methamphetamine: 378 occurrences – 100 files resulting in charges
• Cocaine : 282 occurrences – 57 files resulting in charges
• Heroin: 10 occurrences – 2 files resulting in charges
• Opioids (other than heroin): 23 occurrences – 7 files resulting in charges

How Can YOU Help Reduce the Impact of Illegal Drugs?

The public plays an important role. If you have information on or suspect illegal drug activity:

• Call police
• Contact Crime Stoppers
  • 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
  • Secure P3 Mobile App
  • Secure Web Tips at N.B. Crime Stoppers

Alert Ready and Critical Incident Messaging

In 2020, the RCMP assumed responsibility for issuing wireless alerts during critical incidents involving police in New Brunswick. This initiative was the result an agreement formed through ongoing collaboration with the New Brunswick Department of Justice and Public Safety and the Emergency Measures Organization.

Direct access to the National Public Alerting System through Alert Ready gives police the ability to send critical and potentially life-saving information and instructions to people as quickly as possible.

How it Works

• Emergency messages are sent through LTE-connected and compatible wireless devices such as cell phones, as well as television and radio.
• The bilingual alert includes information on the area affected, the type of incident and instructions for people to follow.
• Updates can be issued and a notification is sent when the incident has concluded.

The RCMP's number one priority is always to ensure the safety of the public and our police officers. A public alert will only ever be issued in highly serious situations that meet specific criteria, including having credible and verified information of a direct or imminent threat to people's lives or safety.

If You Receive an Alert Ready Message:

• Follow the instructions.
• Do not call 9-1-1 unless you have information directly related to the incident, or you have an emergency to report. It is essential that 9-1-1 lines remain open for those who have an emergency.
• Follow the RCMP's Facebook and Twitter accounts for updates.
• A follow-up alert notification will be issued when the situation has concluded.
  

Traffic by the Numbers

Reducing serious injury and fatal collisions on our roadways is always a top priority for the New Brunswick RCMP.

In 2020, there were:

• 60 fatal motor vehicle collisions (a 12% decrease from 2019)
  • 63 fatalities
  • 22 fatalities in which people were unrestrained
  • 21 fatalities in crashes involving alcohol or drug impairment
  • 12 fatal motorcycle crashes
  • 10 fatal off-road vehicle collisions
  • 5 fatal pedestrian or cyclist collisions
• 7,805 total vehicle collisions
• 1,237 collision-related injuries

Preventable fatalities

68% of fatal crashes involved impairment or not wearing a seatbelt

• Buckle up
• Drive sober
• Follow the speed limit
• Put down your phone

If you know of or suspect an impaired driver – call 9-1-1 – it IS an emergency

Traffic enforcement

In 2020, we continued to focus on targeting unsafe driving behaviours.

• 60,199 vehicles checked
• 1,657 checkstops by the New Brunswick RCMP
• 228 roadside suspensions
• 514 vehicles impounded
• 21,509 tickets issued

E-ticketing

In 2020, the New Brunswick RCMP began issuing electronic tickets for certain provincial offences, including those under the Motor Vehicle Act. The technology allows police officers to gather a driver's information quickly and issue a printed ticket on-site. This means less time stopped on roadways for police and motorists, making the process safer for everyone.

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

The New Brunswick RCMP places a high priority on protecting vulnerable citizens. We work closely with many community and provincial stakeholders to help protect our vulnerable.

Mental health calls

• 2018 – 4,494
• 2019 – 4,900
• 2020 – 4,938

9.8% increase 2018-2020

What we're doing

We engage with a variety of stakeholders, mental health professionals and Mobile Mental Health Crisis Units (MMHCU). We are developing new partnerships and exploring new solutions to resolve mental health calls positively, so that individuals in crisis are directed to appropriate support resources.

Missing persons – Did you know?

Every report of a missing person is taken seriously by the New Brunswick RCMP, and is thoroughly investigated. It does not matter if someone has been reported missing before, or what their personal circumstances are - our priority is always to ensure the safety and well-being of the person reported missing.

In 2020, the New Brunswick RCMP investigated 1,310 reports of missing persons.

If you ever have to report someone missing

Contact police or 911 immediately if you have concerns about their personal safety. Do not wait 24 hours before calling.

Police will ask for:

• Full name of missing person.
• Physical description – height, weight, hair colour, eye colour, etc.
• Where they were last seen
• What they were last seen wearing
• (if relevant) Details of the vehicle they were driving
• A recent photograph

Police must have direct contact with the individual reported missing to conclude an investigation.

Internet Child Exploitation Unit

In October 2020, the RCMP's Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit arrested a 32-year-old Moncton man in connection with an investigation into online sexual images of minors. The individual ultimately pled guilty to 31 charges involving incidents that occurred during his time as a volunteer basketball coach in the province, and one count of sexual interference stemming from a separate investigation by the Codiac RCMP. He was sentenced to a total of 12-years in prison.

Recruiting – Join Canada's Largest Police Force

Are you looking to make a difference in your community and country? The RCMP is looking for qualified individuals who reflect the communities we serve to join our team of more than 18,500 police officers across Canada.

With exceptional careers in more than 150 areas of specialization, from frontline policing to critical roles that support our operations, no other police force in Canada provides the breadth and level of services offered by the RCMP.

The recruitment process

• Visit How to apply to become an RCMP officer.
• Submit an online application on the website.
• Write the RCMP entrance exam (RPAB) and attend a career presentation.

All police officer candidates must now write the RPAB exam, regardless of secondary education

• Submit required forms and documents.
• Suitability assessment and Right Fit Interview.
• Polygraph exam and background checks.
• Medical and psychological assessments.
• Field investigation and security assessment.
• Success! Get an offer to attend Depot.
  

Keys to success

• Do your research. Visit RCMP careers.
• Read, read, read. Be diligent when completing paperwork.
• Don't wait. Start studying early.
• Be professional. From emails, to phone calls, to meetings with recruiters.
• Be patient. The process can take 12 to 24 months. Don't lose hope!

Have questions? Contact us at nbrecruiting@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

There are also many non-uniformed careers within the RCMP. If you're interested in a career that supports policing, contact jpshr-rhfpj@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Federal Policing

The RCMP's Federal Policing Program (FPP) has the broad mandate of addressing all types of federal investigations, such as secure Canada's borders, investigate criminality related to national security, serious and organized crime, financial crime, high-level drug enforcement, ensure the safety of critical infrastructure, as well as enforcing federal laws within New Brunswick.

In 2020, the FPP, in partnership with other Canadian and U.S. law enforcement, executed arrests and detained individuals attempting to cross illegally into Canada. Federal employees and specialized services also assisted in searches for missing persons and played a significant role in the province's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our strong partnerships allow for streamlined interoperability and collaboration in determining risks and impacts related to international borders, and to ensuring the safety and security of vaccine transportation.

The Federal Policing Program also continues to provide support to international operations, to investigate national and transnational security threats, and to deliver federal programs such as undercover operations.

If you have information that could assist Federal investigations, please contact Crime Stoppers or your local police.

Codiac Regional RCMP

The past year was an unprecedented one for our province, the country and the world. What stands out is how New Brunswickers banded together, supported and cared for one another, and adopted new behaviours and attitudes throughout the pandemic.

The Codiac Regional RCMP leveraged new and innovative approaches, collaborated with our partners at all levels and formed new relationships – all with the common goal of providing the best policing service to those we serve, while remaining efficient and accountable.

We remain committed to strategic, intelligence-led policing that reduces, solves and prevents future crime, and continue to focus our efforts on those responsible for the most - and most serious - crimes.

The strength and dedication of our workforce, both on the frontline and in many vital supporting roles, ensure we can meet any challenge head on, and keep our communities safe.

Total number of calls - 38,424

• Assault 1,520
• Break and enter 1,080
• Checkstops 80
• Drug offences 254
• Fraud 1,077
• Mental Health Act 1,231
• Robbery/extortion 63
• Theft of motor vehicle 401
• Theft over $5,000 55
• Traffic tickets 4,458

Codiac Regional Policing Authority

The Codiac Regional Policing Authority (CRPA) is the governance body that oversees policing services for Moncton, Dieppe and Riverview – ensuring adequate funding, strategic planning and fiscal accountability. The 12-member board includes councillors from each municipality, citizens and a representative from the Province of New Brunswick. Questions about costs of policing services should be directed to the CRPA.

Northeast District

The Northeast District RCMP is grateful to have worked so closely over the past year with so many invaluable partners, including citizens, community and Indigenous leaders, and local groups and organizations, throughout the pandemic.

Together we have adapted, strengthened our positive relationships and fostered our common goal of keeping communities in northeastern New Brunswick safe.

We continue to prioritize crime reduction and prevention, including proactive, intelligence-led investigations that focus on prolific offenders and areas where crime is common. We are focused on addressing issues of local concern, which are determined through collaboration with the communities we serve.

The hard work and dedication of our employees forms the foundation of our achievements. We remain committed to ensuring the health, safety and wellness of all those who work for us, with us and those we serve.

Total number of calls – 31,519

• Calls per RSC^{Footnote 3}
  • RSC 2 – 8,893
  • RSC 3 – 4,633
  • RSC 4 – 14,051
  • RSC 5 – 3,942
• Assault 984
• Break and enter 353
• Checkstops 506
• Drug offences 183
• Fraud 749
• Mental Health Act 1,218
• Robbery/extortion 15
• Theft of motor vehicle 220
• Theft over $5,000 36
• Traffic tickets 6,131

West District

The West District RCMP continues to build on our commitment to providing a top quality, comprehensive and intelligence-led policing service to the citizens of western New Brunswick.

The past year required a great deal of flexibility and adaptability to frequently changing situations from all of us. The resiliency of New Brunswickers throughout this challenging time is inspiring, and our successes wouldn't have been possible without the ongoing collaboration and hard work among so many partners.

We are privileged to have a team of dedicated employees, who continually support and help one another and the frontline, and who remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of all New Brunswickers.

Thank you for your support of the New Brunswick RCMP.

Total number of calls – 38,076

• Calls per RSC^{Footnote 4}
  • RSC 1 – 7,492
  • RSC 10 – 8,327
  • RSC 11 – 13,809
  • RSC 12 – 8,448
• Assault 1,223
• Break and enter 832
• Checkstops 528
• Drug offences 101
• Fraud 851
• Mental Health Act 1,287
• Robbery/extortion 26
• Theft of motor vehicle 365
• Theft over $5,000 66
• Traffic tickets 4,366

Southeast District

Serving the southeast part of the province, from Richibucto to Grand Bay-Westfield, the Southeast District RCMP remains committed to proactive, strategic policing – prioritizing crime reduction and prevention, road safety, and a collaborative approach to keeping our communities safe.

The challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic have paved the way to new and strengthened relationships with partners throughout our region. Working together, we continue to address issues of local concern and to target those who cause the most harm in our communities.

We remain committed to efficient and responsible management of our policing resources and to sharing information about our work with the citizens and communities we serve.

I thank you for your support and trust in the New Brunswick RCMP and our dedicated employees. I look forward to continuing to work with our many partners.

Total number of calls – 36,827

• Calls per RSC^{Footnote 5}
  • RSC 6 – 10,386
  • RSC 7 – 15,724
    • RSC 8 – 8,499
    • RSC 9 – 2,218
• Assault 984
• Break and enter 683
• Checkstops 543
• Drug offences 169
• Fraud 1,079
• Mental Health Act 1,202
• Robbery/extortion 15
• Theft of motor vehicle 326
• Theft over $5,000 48
• Traffic tickets 6,554

Divisional Overview

Statistics are subject to change based on the results of ongoing investigations, closure of files and other factors.

The Way Forward

The COVID-19 pandemic forced us all to reflect, pivot and adapt. It encouraged us to seek new approaches, to look with a different lens, to learn and to grow. As a result, there are new and innovative approaches that will outlast the pandemic, strengthened partnerships to build on, and surprising ways that everyone can make a positive impact in our communities.

The RCMP's commitment to serving New Brunswickers with professionalism and compassion has never been stronger. We will continue to develop and offer new and accessible ways that show accountability and transparency in our work.

We will advance our intelligence-led and forward-thinking approach to policing. We will build on modernizing our practices, technologies, and strategies to best reflect the world and the people around us. We will continue to prioritize innovation, the health and well-being of our workforce, and the relationships and partnerships we have across the province.

Working together, we will continue to provide the best provincial policing service possible.

Date modified:

2021-10-28