RCMP Prince Edward Island 2017-2018 Year in Review

Table of contents

• Keep in touch
• Mission, vision, core values
• Message from the Minister
• Message from the Commanding Officer
• Message from the Criminal Operations Officer
• Message from the Federal Policing Officer
• National strategic priorities 2017-18
• Provincial Police Service Island RCMP priorities 2017-18
• District policing - Prince District overview 2017-18
• District policing - Queens District overview 2017-18
• District policing - Kings District overview 2017-18
• Specialized, operational and support units
  • Federal Policing Prevention and Engagement
  • Intelligence-led policing
  • Major crime
  • Police Dog Service
  • Forensic Identification Services
  • Tactical Troop
  • Emergency Response Team
  • Operational Communications Centre
  • Information management and information technology
  • Administration and Personnel
  • Communications and Media Relations
  • Ground Search and Rescue
  • Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems
  • Health and wellness corner
  • Generational / Territorial Service Insignia
• Divisional overview
• We're part of your community
• PEI Veterans Association

Your Island RCMP – Proud to serve the residents of
Prince Edward Island

Keep in touch with your Island RCMP!

Island RCMP

Facebook: @RCMPPEI (English) or @GRCIPE (French)

Twitter: @RCMPPEI and @RCMPPEITraffic

Instagram: @RCMPPEI_PEI

P.E.I. Crime Stoppers: 1-888-222-TIPS (8477)

Mission

The RCMP is Canadas national police service. Proud of our traditions and confident in meeting future challenges, we commit to preserve the peace, uphold the law and provide quality service in partnership with our communities.

Vision

We will be a progressive, proactive and innovative organization; provide the highest quality service through dynamic leadership, education and technology in partnership with the diverse communities we serve; be accountable and efficient through shared decision-making; ensure a healthy work environment that encourages team building, open communication and mutual respect; promote safe communities; and demonstrate leadership in the pursuit of excellence.

Core values

Recognizing the dedication of all employees, we will create and maintain an environment of individual safety, well-being and development. We are guided by integrity, honesty, professionalism, compassion, respect and accountability.

Message from the Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

The RCMP in Prince Edward Island provides an important leadership role in crime prevention, community safety and public confidence in many Island communities. I value the important work accomplished last year and look forward to partnering with the RCMP to continue building confidence in our Island justice and public safety system. The efficiency of Prince Edward Island's criminal justice system is a testament to all the Islanders working in law enforcement, including the police and civilian staff of the RCMP in our province.

Once again the leading criminal justice system in the country, Prince Edward Island has the lowest violent crime rate and one of the lowest property crime rates in the country, both of which have declined significantly since 2012. The public perception of police performance is very high, specifically in ensuring safety, satisfaction with public safety, supplying information, being approachable, being fair, and responding promptly.

I know the importance of integrity, respect and professionalism when it comes to protecting the safety and well-being of Islanders. The RCMP embodies these values every day, and to support your work, the provincial government will continue to invest in early frontline supports to better protect vulnerable children and families, and we will continue to work with our partners to support culturally sensitive and community-based justice programming and projects.

I thank you for your efforts in disrupting outlaw motorcycle gangs in our province. I appreciate the work the RCMP has done nationally and locally to improve coding and classification of sexual assault cases and the ongoing efforts to support victims of sexual assault. I recognize the challenges ahead of you as we work to adapt to the upcoming legalization of cannabis. I look forward to working with you to implement key recommendations from the Crime Prevention and Policing Service Model Review aimed at increasing officer safety, improved interoperability between agencies and better serving Islanders.

I commend all those who work to provide Islanders with a sense of security in our province and confidence in our justice system. As Attorney General, I am proud to have the RCMP as our partner and thank the members for all they do in the service of their fellow Islanders.

Message from the Commanding Officer

In the year which celebrated Canada 150, Prince Edward Island, as the birthplace of Confederation demonstrated to Islanders and many visitors all that is wonderful about PEI. The Prince Edward Island RCMP experienced many highlights, opportunities and faced new and evolving challenges. The RCMP works closely with the Province of PEI, Mayors, Chiefs of Police, First Nations Chiefs, and community groups to establish and focus on the provicial and local policing priorities. There is a long history on PEI of collaboration and finding a solution to the issues that affect our Island. The trust and support we receive from Islanders and government is a reflection of these relationships. We are proud to have one of the highest public trust ratings of police in Canada.

I am honoured to be the Commanding Officer of the Prince Edward Island RCMP, and am pleased with the accomplishments and service delivery provided by our employees to the communities and people of PEI. I present to you the Prince Edward Island Annual Report for 2017-2018, which will highlight the successes and challenges faced with new and evolving demands on policing. As you take time to review this report I am certain that you will see the strong relationships and role that community plays in the RCMP providing quality policing services to the Island. Prince Edward Island continues to be recognized as one of the safest places to live in Canada and maintaining this status provides unique opportunities and challenges to community and policing partners.

The demands on the RCMP and policing are ever changing, accountability is a cornerstone in ensuring public trust and the ability to address emerging trends and challenges. This past year the priorities of the PEI RCMP have been in the areas of Road Safety, Organized Crime, Aboriginal Communities and Youth engagement. Road safety and the serious risk that impaired driving has on Islanders remains and ongoing priority and focus for police. This years announcement of the future legalization of cannabis led to questions about the impact this will have on the existing issue of impaired driving as well as other community concerns. We have and will continue to work with our provincial, municipal and federal partners to be prepared to educate and enforce the new pending legislation. The RCMP is fortunate in its ability to draw on the expertise and resources of our National and Federal policing family. We will continue to utilize these resources to the benefit of all Islanders.

Several other societal changes have and will continue to impact policing and the manner in which we need to assess, adapt and respond to these demands to reduce to negative impact they may have on the Island way of life. The RCMP is evolving in the manner in which it approaches each of these priorities and emerging demands. We are committed to ensuring that we disrupt criminal activities, preserve the peace and public safety, and educate Islanders and how they can contribute to their own safety and wellbeing.

Working within our communities, enhancing and developing inclusive relationships with the ever increasing diverse population of PEI demonstrates our commitment to all community members. Youth, the First Nations and Indigenous peoples of PEI as well as the LGBTQ2+ communities are just some of the diverse groups that the PEI RCMP strives to improve relationships with to champion a culture of respect and inclusion.

Our employees are dedicated RCMP professionals that commit each day to provide a quality police service that enhances public safety. The trust given to the RCMP is taken to heart. Our employees and their families live across this beautiful province and are connected with every aspect of PEI. A large majority of our employees or spouses were born here, we choose to raise our children here, we are relatives, we are neighbours, we are coaches, we are advocates, we are volunteers, we are Islanders.

I thank you for taking the time to review the 2017-2018 report on RCMP policing on Prince Edward Island. I hope that you will see in these pages what I see everyday; a dedication and commitment to ensuring public safety, trust, building strong relationships and inclusion. In addition to our employees, I thank each of our partners for your contribution to public safety; our successes and accomplishments are yours as well. Thank you for your trust and support. We are honoured to serve the people of Prince Edward Island.

Message from the Criminal Operations Officer

I have had the distinct opportunity to oversee the Criminal Operations Unit for Prince Edward Island for the past two years. I continue to be impressed by citizens of this Province and the work being performed by RCMP officers on a daily basis. I am very happy to say that Prince Edward Island continues to have some of the lowest crime rates in all of Canada.

For 2017-2018 the RCMP continued our efforts towards providing an effective, responsive and intelligence led policing service. We did so in part by committing resources and efforts towards road safety and organized crime. For the RCMP, road safety is more than compliance with legislation. Road safety ensures that our highways are safe for all users. We made road safety one of our priorities and utilized data analysis, education and enforcement with the goal of changing driving behaviours.

Criminal activity affects everyone. From internet fraud to drug trafficking the effects are seen within our communities and police and Provincial boundaries are largely ignored. To better address crimes occurring within Prince Edward Island; law enforcement agencies across the Island joined together to form an Organized Crime Task Force. This Task Force was successful in identifying criminal activity and taking enforcement action when required.

A number of successful initiatives were made over the past year with respect to road safety, organized crime and community engagement. Low crime rates and working with citizens to improve community safety remains a priority of the RCMP. For 2018-2019 we will continue to build on past successes and focus on road safety, organized crime and community engagement.

Message from the Federal Policing Officer

As the Acting Federal Policing Officer for Prince Edward Island, it has been my responsibility and that of our Federal Policing team to ensure that the RCMPs federal mandate is being carried out to provide residents and visitors of PEI a safe and secure environment to enjoy their daily lives. During 2017-2018, Federal Operations were aligned in the areas of National Security, Serious and Organized Crime, Financial Crime, Cybercrime and Protective Policing. The scope of this service was based on any threat directed toward Canadas national security, economic integrity or critical infrastructure with local, provincial and national implications. These operations also involved protecting the integrity of Government of Canada systems and programs on a national and international level. Priority focus items on PEI included increasing public awareness on Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMG) as well as reducing the supply of dangerous substances such as methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Also within the past year, the National Security Outreach Program has continued to grow and expand through Terrorism Prevention Program workshops and information sessions across the Island. A joint organized crime investigation involving PEI and New Brunswick RCMP federal units resulted in significant seizures of firearms and approximately 60,000 methamphetamine pills that were in part destined for the streets of Prince Edward Island. The RCMP federal unit also participated in an Island-wide Police task force to investigate the criminality of outlaw motorcycle gangs in the province. The Organized Crime Task Force laid charges against members of a local OMG prospect club and various Criminal Code convictions were registered against all members after guilty pleas were entered for assault, uttering threats, obstruction of justice, illegal games of chance and breach of court order violations as well as convictions under the Provincial Liquor Act.

Going forward, we will continue to see the RCMP, Island Police Services and Public Safety working collaboratively to ensure a unified and coordinated response to organized crime groups on Prince Edward Island.

National strategic priorities

Serious and organized crime

The violence and corrupting effect of organized crime groups greatly impact every Canadians right to safety and security. Using an intelligence-led, integrated approach, the RCMP focused its activities on reducing the threat and impact of organized crime which has far-reaching implications, even in Prince Edward Island. In fulfilling its mandate, the RCMP works closely with domestic and international partners in a sustained effort to dismantle criminal groups.

National security

The greatest threat to Canadas national security remained the potential for terrorist criminal activity locally and abroad. The role of the Island RCMPs National Security section is to detect, prevent, disrupt and dismantle this type of criminal activity. Our investigative successes were and are largely determined by our flexibility, leadership and collaboration with foreign and domestic law enforcement partners. We will continue with proactive measures in direct accordance with the level of threat against the citizens we are sworn to protect.

Youth

Nationally, the youth priority issues included bullying and cyberbullying, impaired and distracted driving, substance abuse and youth violence. Outreach and engagement strategies have been developed to reduce youth crime and victimization. Locally, the Island RCMP continued to rely on our provincial Youth Outreach Workers, located in each District, to provide referrals and follow up with at-risk youth in collaboration with our front-line police officers.

Aboriginal communities

Contributing to safer and healthier Aboriginal communities was one of the five strategic priorities for the RCMP in 2016-2017. Delivering culturally competent police services provided the foundation necessary to build relationships and partnerships with the Aboriginal communities we serve in Prince Edward Island. Through initiatives such as the Commanding Officers Aboriginal Advisory Committee, the Island RCMP is in a favorable position to assist and advocate for Aboriginal communities at a local and national level.

Economic integrity

In the face of globalization and technological progress, criminals are operating beyond jurisdictions using sophisticated and continuously evolving methods to find victims. Law enforcement plays an important role in strengthening and preserving the security and economic interests of all citizens. Maintaining economic integrity, while reducing victimization, is a complex issue that the Island RCMP address in cooperation with other Police Services, law enforcement agencies, governments at all levels, the private sector and our international partners.

Provincial strategic priorities

Road safety

An increase in public education coupled with strategic enforcement and joint highway safety initiatives were undertaken with various partners and stakeholders to ensure a more focused and collaborative approach to combatting impaired by alcohol and/or drugs and distracted driving on our Island roadways. Social media was also leveraged as a means of providing public education and awareness surrounding road safety issues that are faced every day by the RCMP in Prince Edward Island.

Organized crime

The Island RCMP ensured a concerted effort was placed on preventing and reducing the threat and impact of organized crime in Prince Edward Island. As part of this focus, tactical intelligence gathering was conducted on the various outlaw motorcycle gangs which currently operate in our province. Educational and awareness initiatives were delivered to various stakeholders and groups with a view to informing Prince Edward Island residents on the negative and far-reaching impacts of organized and economic crimes within our Island communities.

Aboriginal communities

Enhancing the safety and health of our Aboriginal Communities was a priority for the Island RCMP in 2017-2018. Cultural competency training was delivered to RCMP employees and proactive recruiting sessions were organized with a view to attracting Aboriginal applicants to the RCMP. An applicant to the Aboriginal pre-cadet process was selected from Prince Edward Island and this individual was provided training at the RCMP Training Academy in Regina in the spring of 2017.

Youth engagement

Educational sessions were delivered to Island youth with a view to reducing youth victimization and increasing awareness regarding bullying and cyber-bullying issues which are becoming more prevalent in todays technologically-advanced society. In an effort to divert youth from formal court processes, while simultaneously empowering youth to assume accountability for their actions, diversionary programs and measures were implemented when appropriate in consultation with youth outreach workers and other justice stakeholders.

Prince District overview

Prince District RCMP provides policing coverage to all of Prince County and part of the western portion of Queens County with the exception of Summerside and Kensington where each have a municipal police force. The district has two offices, West Prince located in Rosebank, and East Prince in North Bedeque, with a four-watch general duty system, each with a Team Leader supervising the watch. The district also has a Joint Forces Operations (JFO) Unit which is made up of a corporal and two constables from the RCMP, a Summerside Police Services member (full-time) and a Kensington Police services member (part-time). Prince District also includes Police Services Dog Fleck and handler Cst. Thomsen, a Youth Outreach Worker, and a Crime Reduction Analyst.

Prince District provides policing services to approximately 30,000 citizens, encompassing a large number of communities and extending over a large geographical area. Four communities: Borden-Carleton, OLeary, Alberton and Tignish have Enhanced Service Agreements (ESA) with the RCMP and a Community Tripartite Agreement with Lennox Island First Nation. The Province of Prince Edward Island is contracted through Transport Canada to provide policing services to the Confederation Bridge, which is provided by Prince District personnel.

During a consultative process, Prince District policing priorities were determined by taking into consideration provincial and local issues and concerns. Traffic was identified during this process, specifically impaired driving, speeding, and checkpoints where enforcement and the addition of a scheduled traffic day were established. Members of Prince District have also conducted joint checkpoints with Highway Safety in an effort to keep our roadways safe. Police/Community Relations were enhanced through consultation and meetings with communities within the district and by using targeted enforcement, increasing visibility through having a liaison named for each ESA and having members assigned to attend community events or stop by community offices during their shifts to discuss and deal with any concerns. In order to provide a better understanding of the day-to-day operations of Prince District and strengthen relationships with communities a weekly media release is put out each Monday of the number of calls for service, with a brief synopsis of some of the calls for service. These weekly media releases have included warnings to the public of phone scams, preventing possible frauds and financial losses. The weekly media releases have been well received by the public and have created a better understanding of what RCMP members deal with on a regular basis. Organized Crime was also identified during the consultation process, with concentration on drug trafficking and intelligence gathering. Our JFO unit worked on the issues of drug trafficking and mentored general duty members on the recruitment and handling of sources and information. As an intelligence led organization it is incumbent on each of us to use all the tools at our disposal to combat organized crime and keep our communities safe.

Prince District RCMP continues to take pride in the communities it polices. This was demonstrated throughout the year in the form of presentations to groups such as youth and seniors which were very well received. Prince District was active with foot patrols throughout the year to various senior complexes, legions, hockey rinks and community halls. Prince District employees proactively organized Christmas carolling during the holiday season and visited a number of hospitals and senior complexes in various communities. Police visibility and community relations continue to be a priority within Prince District and have noticeably improved over the past year and we hope to continue to build stronger relationships with the communities that we service.

Looking to the future, the employees of Prince District are dedicated to their duties and strive to provide the highest quality of service by improving their abilities through training to better serve the public. I would like to take this time to recognize all of employees of Prince District RCMP and applaud the great work they have done this past year.

This past year the Prince District JFO Unit undertook several investigations targeting drug traffickers in Prince District, Summerside, and Kensington.

During one of these investigations, police seized a substantial amount of crystal methamphetamine, hydromorphone, marihuana, money, and weapons.

The person responsible has been charged and remanded into custody. This investigation highlights how intelligence gathering and teamwork within the JFO unit is effective in targeting illicit drugs trafficers in our community.

Queens District overview

Queens District RCMP is responsible for policing a population of approximately 43,000 residents which includes Queens County rural communities and the municipalities of Stratford and Cornwall, which have Municipal Policing Services Contracts. Queens District is comprised of four detachments: the Queens District Office at Maypoint, Stratford Municipal Detachment, the Abegweit First Nations Community Office in Scotchfort and a seasonal Community Office in Cavendish. In addition to the Regular Member and Public Service Employee complement, Queens District has a three-member General Investigation/Street-Level Drug Unit, a Court Liaison Officer, a Provincial Youth Outreach Worker, and a Crime Reduction Analyst from CISPEI. Island RCMPs Police Dog Service and Forensic Identification Section both work from the Queens District Office.

For 2017-2018, our District Policing Priorities were designed to focus policing efforts in the key areas of: 1. Contributing to Road Safety with an emphasise on impaired driving; 2. Increasing police and community relations with a move toward having our members and activities being more visible within our communities; and, 3. Reducing the instances of persons based crimes especially those related to domestic type situations. Concerted efforts were placed on awareness and enforcement initiatives designed to detract and apprehend impaired and distracted drivers; providing information and education sessions to students and community members on topics such as alcohol and drug abuse, cyber-safety, fraud and theft prevention. Resources were deployed to focus on investigations pertaining to illegal drugs, theft from motor vehicles and residential vandalism. Our priorities were developed with specific input from our communities: Mayors and Council members, seniors and youth groups, school educators, and through interaction with business owners and the community as a whole. Our success depended heavily on efficient and effective use of targeted messaging, social media, selective checkpoints, and an aggressive combination of education and enforcement.

This year saw a number of very successful initiatives, including our work with First Nations youth and numerous traffic related initiatives including directed efforts in partnership with MADD Canada, Bluefield High School for Nation Teen Driver Awareness Day and PEI Highway Safety for National Impaired Driving Enforcement week and Operation Impact during the holiday season. Queens District members also partnered with Ocean 100 radio for the annual 12 Days of Christmas program where a different officer delivered a radio message promoting sober driving each day for 12 days over the holiday period. The Citizens on Patrol (C.O.P) programs in both Stratford and Cornwall continued to be a huge benefit to our policing efforts in these communities allowing community members to play a safe but active roll in helping us keep their communities safe year round.

Drug enforcement, impaired driving by alcohol and/or drugs, and prescription medication abuse remain a focus of the RCMP.

This year saw a number of very successful street-level drug investigations conducted by Queens District members. Partnering with the RCMP Federal Investigation Unit and members from both Kings and Prince Districts enabled us to take an impressive quantity of illegal substances out of our communities. This year, with the looming decriminalization of marihuana, Queens District has been training its members to more effectively recognize and deal with drivers who are impaired by drugs including marihuana. This effort has already begun to pay off with an increase in drug impaired drivers being identified and charged appropriately. In the coming year Queens District will maintain its focus on education and enforcement activities to combat the effects of drug use in our communities. Queens District has been moving toward a renewed focus on accountability where our members listen to, interact with and learn from our partners and community representatives so that we provide a better policing service. We strive to be accountable in our service delivery and respond to the concerns of the communities and individuals we serve. Our team approach is to understand what our communities are asking for and allow them to guide our policing objectives based on their needs.

As employees of Canadas national police force, and in serving the citizens of Prince Edward Island, we take pride in our contributions and continue to work hard at strengthening our strategic partnerships. This past year we continued to work with young people on issues such as prescription drug abuse, anti-bullying, and internet safety. We are involved in the communities we serve. Our Provincial Youth Intervention Outreach Worker, Abegweit First Nations Officer and School Liaison Officers work closely with groups such as Mothers against Drinking and Driving to lead initiatives such as the National Prescription Drug Drop-off Day and Pink Ribbon anti-bullying campaign. The efforts dedicated to these programs show our commitment to the young people in our communities and in our community involvement overall.

Queens District in partnership with many provincial and private industry partners took part in the 9th Annual Cavendish Beach Music Festival this year. It remains one of our biggest yearly commitments where planning and organizing for an event bringing 25,000 people each night demonstrates a significant level of cooperation and community involvement. Our employees have contributed several hundred hours of volunteer time to various initiatives, including coaching, refereeing, participation on local volunteer boards and involvement on school advisory committees.

Moving forward, our priorities will remain focused on making our roads safer, preventing crime in our communities and strengthening the relationships that make PEI such a wonderful place to live. On behalf of all employees of Queens District, we thank our community partners, stakeholders and members of the general public for their continued assistance and support. I also want to recognize our employees, our men and women in uniform and all those in supporting roles for their consistent pursuit of excellence in service delivery.

Kings District overview

The Kings District RCMP provides 24-hour policing coverage to all of Kings County and the south-east portion of Queens County. The District is comprised of twenty-four police officers and four public servants based out of the two offices in Souris and Brudenell. In Souris there are seven uniformed officers and a full-time public servant. In Brudenell there are seventeen uniformed officers, two plain-clothes general investigation section officers and three public servants. There is a great deal of experience among these employees who provide a high level of service to the residents of this area. The employees of Kings District are very involved in their communities with many of them involved in coaching activities, donating their time to volunteer with local organizations and making time to get involved in local events.

Each year the RCMP work with the communities we serve to develop a list of priority issues which will be given a specific focus during the year. This list of priorities is developed in coordination with the national and provincial priorities determined by the RCMP. This year the priorities are related to the following initiatives:

Improving police community relations by having members more involved with the local schools and community organizations. The RCMP will also work to ensure we have regular and meaningful consultation with municipal governments to identify and address issues as they arise. There will also be an increased effort in using local media for more pro-active sharing of information to educate the public on known threats and current issues in our communities.

Impaired driving has always been an issue that concerns everyone in this area. Police will increase the number of checkpoints conducted to identify impaired drivers and ensure they are no longer a danger on the roads. There will also be an increased emphasis on general traffic enforcement to curb dangerous driving habits by the motoring public.

Violence in relationships is an issue which affects too many families in modern society. The RCMP will work harder to support victims of abuse and encourage more victims to come forward. The education and protection of victims is paramount in this type of investigation and the police will ensure we take all reasonable steps to properly address this issue.

The impact of organized crime and drug trafficking affects all communities in many different ways. The RCMP will work towards increasing the number of investigations and prosecutions of those individuals who are trafficking illegal drugs in Kings District.

The Kings District RCMP regularly works with partner agencies which helps to increase our visibility as well as target specific problem areas. We regularly work with PEI Highway Safety in joint enforcement initiatives. We pool our resources to conduct checkpoint operations or enforcement plans to improve the safety of Island highways. In recent months we have targeted drivers who do not slow down for emergency vehicles parked on the side of the roads which was very successful. We also conduct large scale checkpoints which enables us to interact with a large number of drivers in a safe manner. The ability to work together enables both agencies to work effectively in high traffic areas. The Kings District RCMP also work closely with the Provincial Conservation Officers in conducting joint patrols. Our mandates are different but this cooperation allows us to share our resources to be more effective in our own respective roles.

Kings District uses the services of a RCMP Crime Reduction Analyst who assists with identifying crime trends and helping target prolific offenders. There is a benefit to this work in that it enables us to target those individuals who are having the greatest negative affect on the communities we serve. It also enables police to have the most up to date information to assist our enforcement activities. This individual has specialized training to collect and process data which helps with pro-active policing efforts. In recent months this expertise was instrumental in helping front line police officers target a series of break and enter incidents in Kings District. This Crime Reduction Analyst also looks at all motor vehicle collisions and reported dangerous driving incidents to ensure police are focusing our attention on problematic areas.

An issue which continues to cause concern is the number of fraud investigations that are being handled in Kings District. Each year too many people become the targets of criminals who use a multitude of tactics to take money from honest individuals. There has been a large number of incidents where these criminals pose as employees of the Canada Revenue Agency, or other government body, and tell people that they owe money for various reasons. Some of these individuals are threatened with arrest by the police if they do not give their credit card numbers to the caller. Unfortunately, some people provide their financial or personal information to these callers and can lose a substantial amount of money. We have been conducting different presentations to educate the public on this type of crime, and will continue to do so in the upcoming year. This type of fraud investigation can be difficult to investigate because these calls can originate from anywhere in the world.

There is an Enhanced Service Agreement in place for the towns of Montague and Souris and the Kings District RCMP prepares a monthly policing report for both. These reports are presented to the Town Councils by an RCMP member who attends their monthly meetings. Kings District has an excellent working relationship with the Mayor and Councils and we are very appreciative of the input and support they provide.

The Kings District RCMP are a group of experienced and hard-working individuals who are very happy to be posted in this area of Prince Edward Island. There are a large number of our employees who are from PEI and we are all dedicated on working towards our ultimate goal of safe homes and safe communities.

Officers receiving the Police Officer of the Year Award.

Specialized, operational and support units

Federal Policing Prevention and Engagement

Throughout 2017-2018 Federal Policing Prevention and Engagement (FPPE) has continued to focus efforts in the area of drug education on prevalent drugs such as methamphetamine, and drugs of concern like fentanyl and its analogues. Numerous drug awareness lectures were provided to the public, partners and the law enforcement community.

FPPE also administers the drug expert witness program and the clandestine lab program for the province. A three-day Chemical Drug Expert Witness workshop, with sessions by instructors from California, and the two-day Atlantic Region Clan Lab Recertification were arranged and facilitated by FPPE and approximately 50 police officers from the Atlantic Provinces and Quebec attended both sessions. During these sessions candidates had the opportunity to learn about drugs of concern such as methamphetamine, fentanyl and other chemical drugs, and also the opportunity to produce substances such as methamphetamine and DMT to help build their expertise. A new clan lab trailer was purchased and a clan lab equipment room / dedicated fentanyl sampling room complete with fume hood, ion scanner and other equipment was set up at headquarters.

This was a busy year in the area of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMG). FPPE members conducted numerous education sessions throughout the year to the public, partners, law enforcement agencies and other OMG investigators from across Canada. FPPE also shared information regularly with partners in concert with Criminal Intelligence Service PEI (CISPEI) and attended a variety of OMG conferences and training. Numerous runs, parties and events were covered in PEI and other provinces by FPPE members, including the Hells Angels Canada Run in Calgary and the Hells Angels National Meeting in Moncton. FPPE members were also an integral part of the Organized Crime Task Force comprised of officers from the RCMP and municipal forces. The Task Force undertook several significant investigations that led to a total of 43 charges against the local Hells Angels club with various convictions registered against every member of the club. Despite our small size PEI continues to be a key contributor nationally in the area of OMG education, enforcement and intelligence.

Intelligence-led policing

One of the most significant aspects of effective policing in Prince Edward Island is the ability of police agencies to cultivate and share intelligence. Due to the Islands small geographic size, the criminal element continually overlaps policing jurisdictions, making it crucial to ensure intelligence is being produced and shared.

The intelligence model developed in late 2013 for Criminal Intelligence Services Prince Edward Island (CISPEI) continues to develop, providing timely intelligence provincially and nationally to our partners.

This unit is comprised of criminal intelligence analysts who provide service to the RCMP as well as its municipal policing partners across Prince Edward Island. The unit has a focused approach with respect to intelligence-led policing which now includes a more robust crime reduction component. The crime reduction analysts identify crime patterns and develop evidence-based recommendations to police commanders regarding the deployment of resources. This assists in ensuring a more focused impact on reducing crime and victimization across Prince Edward Island.

CISPEI developed a Provincial Threat Assessment that identifies organized threat and trends that assist law enforcement when determining operational priorities. CISPEI also continues to work closely with, and provides strategic analysis assistance to, the RCMP Federal Serious and Organised Crime Section, as well as joint forces projects.

In addition to working with municipal policing agencies, CISPEI continues to develop relationships with partners, such as the National Flagging System (NFS), which tracks high risk, violent offenders; the provincial Department of Justice and Public Safety (Corrections, Probation and Prosecution); federal departments of Fisheries and Oceans; Correctional Service Canada; and, Canada Border Services Agency. By enhancing our information gathering processes, and sharing the resulting intelligence, policing services in P.E.I. will continue to be enriched.

Major crime

The Prince Edward Island RCMP Major Crime Unit has the primary responsibility of providing investigative assistance to the Islands three RCMP Districts with investigations that are more complex in nature or that require a significant amount of resources to investigate and manage.

In 2017-2018 the Major Crime Unit responded to a wide variety of criminal code investigations ranging from frauds to serious assaults. The Major Crime Unit also responded to 4 home invasion robberies during 2017-2018. All but one of these investigations were solved and charges were laid against suspects in the 3 solved files.

The Major Crime Unit also investigated a significant number of Internet Child Exploitation cases during 2017-2018. The internet, at its best, is a vast repository of information and an incredible communication tool. At its worst, the internet is a medium for criminals to prey upon societys more vulnerable persons, including children. The Major Crime Unit assists the Prince Edward Island RCMP Districts with their Internet Child Exploitation investigations and also takes on cases which are referred to the unit by the National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre. In order to continue to improve the Prince Edward Island RCMPs response to these types of investigations, a mentoring program has been started to help educate investigators in the three Districts. The goal of this mentoring program is to increase the Prince Edward Island RCMPs capacity to successfully investigate these, often complex, cases.

The Major Crime Unit took a proactive approach to Integrated Child Exploitation investigations in 2017-2018 by initiating an online project which investigated persons who were actively targeting youth for a sexual purpose on the internet. This project is currently in the final stages and the results of the investigation will help the RCMP to better understand the extent of this problem on Prince Edward Island.

The Major Crime Unit welcomed a new Technological Crime investigator at the end of the 2017-2018 fiscal period. The arrival of this investigator will fill a gap in service, created by the departure of the previous Technological Crime investigator in October of 2017. The Technological Crime investigator has a wide range of duties, not the least of which is to locate and secure evidence from electronic devices such as cellular phones, computers and vehicles.

The Major Crime Unit also played a role in helping to educate the citizens of Prince Edward Island through presentations and community engagement. In the 2017-2018 fiscal year a number of presentations on topics surrounding internet safety, frauds and scams were made to a number of different community groups, including seniors, First Nations and youth.

As the Major Crime Unit looks forward to 2018-2019, the unit is focused on providing the best possible investigational assistance to the District RCMP offices on Prince Edward Island. The Major Crime Unit will continue to focus on enhancing its ability to investigate serious crime matters in the province through additional education and training for its investigators. The Major Crime Unit is committed to working with the District RCMP offices and partner agencies throughout Prince Edward Island in order to solve serious crime matters and improve the overall safety of Prince Edward Islanders.

Police Dog Service

The RCMP in PEI is fortunate to have two Police Dog Service (PDS) teams - each team consisting of one dog and one dog handler. Cpl. Marc Periard and PDS Dutch are trained in general duty policing and drug detection searching. Cst. Kristian Thomsen and PDS Fleck are trained in general duty policing and explosive detection searching. Both provide the Island with 24/7 service for all three RCMP districts and the three municipal police services.

At any given time, PDS may be involved in supporting front line police officers, searching for lost persons, tracking those that have fled from a crime scene, searching for evidence or lost property, assisting with VIP protection duties and supporting our Emergency Response Teams, Tactical Troop, Ground Search and Rescue, the Major Crime Unit and the Provincial Correctional Centre.

There were approximately 175 combined PDS notable calls for the time period of this reporting period. Mental Health Act apprehensions and/or locations have become a large part of the duties of the unit, many of which involved locating a person who was wanting to do harm to themselves. The teams take pride in every call attended.

PSD Fleck was attached to explosive sweeps during G7 for two weeks, which included sweeps for the US President and Canadian Prime Minister. Vehicles, hotels, and conference areas were swept for explosives.

The teams are very active in the community conducting school and community talks. This year they took part in the UPEI Atlantic Veterinary College summer camp program in which they conducted talks with veterinary students about our day to day activities with our PSD. And again this year a student from PEI was a winner in the Name the Puppy contest.

The Island RCMP benefits greatly from the accessibility of our two PDS teams available for calls and both provide vital assistance across the entire island and support to a number of partners in keeping the Island safe.

Forensic ID Section

The Forensic Identification Section (FIS) is centrally located at the Queens District Maypoint Detachment and currently consists of a Forensic Specialist and a Forensic Apprentice. FIS provides support service to all three RCMP Districts, specialized units, as well as our Federal, Provincial, and Municipal policing partners. Forensic services provided by FIS include crime scene examination, photography and videography, DNA and trace evidence collection, physical evidence comparisons, and fingerprint identification.

Forensic services on PEI took a big step forward in 2017/18 with the re-implementation of the Property Crime Examiners Program which saw several general duty members receive additional training in crime scene examination, evidence collection, photography, and fingerprinting. There is now at least one trained Property Crime Examiner placed strategically in each of the six detachments on the Island.

Requests for FIS service in 2017 increased by 22% over the previous year, with Break & Enter complaints making up half of all calls. On numerous occasions, FIS Members were able to crack-the-case by identifying previously unknown suspects.

Fingerprints continue to lead the way as FIS were able to identify more people by their fingerprints than DNA and all other physical evidence combined. Dozens of people were exonerated as possible suspects through fingerprint identification, and police continue to bring closure to families through the identification of deceased persons via their fingerprints.

Tactical Troop

The Tactical Troop is an integrated team comprised of approximately 90 members from the RCMP in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. Included in Prince Edward Island's compliment are a number of municipal members from our provincial police partners in Charlottetown and Summerside.

Specific scenario-based troop training occurs twice per year, and the members also routinely train with the Emergency Response Team and Police Dog Services. In recent years, the Tactical Troop has been used in low risk crowd control situations such as special events and concerts, rallies and peaceful protests while still maintaining its ability to deploy as a Public Order Unit in higher risk situations. The troop continues to see growth in the area of Search and Canvass. Trained members in this area are frequently called upon by Major Crime Units to conduct extremely thorough searches of crime scenes in search of valuable evidence.

Most recently several members were deployed to the G7 Summit in Quebec. Members from Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick were utilized to create an Atlantic Troop thereby allowing each Division to retain its deployment capabilities.

The Tactical Troop continues to offer a wide variety of services while maintaining its own command structure and capabilities to be deployed on short notice in both smaller and larger numbers.

Emergency Response Team

In the Fall of 2017, the RCMP in Prince Edward Island opted to move from a part-time Emergency Response Team (ERT) to an integrated, full-time team in J Division (New Brunswick) which provides coverage to PEI.

Three of the full- time RCMP members imbedded within the integrated team are directly supported by PEI RCMP. With these dedicated, full-time ERT resources, this integrated team has the capability of responding to a wide range of calls that fall outside the normal response capabilities of front line policing, such as hostage or barricaded persons, high risk search warrants, marine and aircraft boarding and supporting VIP visits.

This integrated team consists of highly trained personnel who maintain a high level of physical fitness and are weapons and tactical experts. They are equipped with specialized weapons and tools and regularly train to be able to respond to all types of scenarios and environments. The team works closely with RCMP trained negotiators and critical incident commanders.

Operational Communications Centre

The Divisional Operational Communications Centre (OCC) is the vital link and first point of contact for most RCMP clients requesting police assistance. The OCC receives emergency and non-emergency calls for service 24/7 from the general public, first responders, and other public service agencies. OCC operators are highly trained in emergency call taking and dispatching, utilizing a fully integrated computer-aided dispatch system (CAD), police records management systems and provincial motor vehicle system. Each new OCC operator receives national standardized training and ongoing enhanced training throughout their career in National and Divisional standard operating procedures.

The OCC continues to utilize enhanced technology to provide high quality dispatching for the RCMP and Kensington Police Service. This year saw the completion of an integrated Division phone system, including upgrades used to prioritize incoming calls for service. The phone system used by the OCC now includes traffic analysis and reporting to provide a clear picture of peak call volume times, and service delivery. Upgrades to our Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) include enhancements to mapping, full integration with 911 location data and cellular GPS locations, providing Telecoms Operators with the location of most 911 callers and automatically generating file information. Enhancements to the PICS2 radio system now enable seamless regional communication with RCMP and other emergency responders in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and throughout PEI.

In spring 2018, the OCC replaced our dispatch workstations with fully integrated sit/stand dispatch consoles that enhance operator occupational health and safety as well as management of information technology equipment. These work-stations are specifically designed for advanced telecommunications environments, with integrated power, climate controls, lighting and IT infrastructure.

During the fiscal year, the OCC monitored and performed 390 thousand patrol unit status updates, dispatched over 15 thousand calls for service to RCMP members across the Island, and processed over five thousand 911 calls. In addition, the OCC processed over 40 thousand incoming emergency and non-emergency phone calls from the general public. The OCCs focus on officer safety included monitoring/processing over 25 thousand roadside traffic stop updates.

The RCMP OCC continues its agreement providing call taking and dispatching services for Kensington Police Service. This partnership enhances officer safety for KPS by utilizing the experience and training of the OCC operators and the latest dispatching technology available. The RCMP, KPS and our shared clients benefit from a one point of contact police dispatch centre providing a high standard in emergency call taking for those living in the communities we serve. In 2018 we are looking to expand our service delivery to other law enforcement agencies here on PEI.

Information management and information technology

Information Management/Information Technology (IMIT) continued to focus on its mandate of providing quality technology solutions to members while ensuring data holdings are accurate and compliant with RCMP Information Management (IM) legislation, policies and best practices.

During 2017-2018, Information Management/Information Technology (IMIT) specific to administrative information life-cycle management, IMS focussed on empowering employees with the tools and knowledge required to effectively manage administrative records and employee documentation in accordance with policy and legislation. IMS continued to oversee the management of electronic data holdings and the clean up of information to prepare clients for the rollout of the new GoC records management system (GCDOCS). IMS initiatives focusing on information record holdings were achieved by holding collaborative awareness sessions with internal clients as well as conducting information compliancy reviews throughout the division.

Specific to ORMS, the unit continued to ensure data submitted to the Canada Centre for Justice Statistics (CCJS) branch of Statistics Canada met statistical requirements under the Federal Statistics Act. ORMS facilitated numerous training sessions as well as conducted quality assurance reviews ensuring the accuracy of information reported in our operational records management system was complete and compliant with RCMP and Government of Canada policy.

From an Information Technology perspective, IT Operations worked closely with our neighbouring divisions in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to create an interoperability framework that will allow our members to maintain radio system coverage while traveling in those provinces. This interoperability framework will help ensure the safety of our members as well as those that may travel to L Division to provide assistance.

Also during 2017-2018, IT Operations worked on several upgrades to assist L Division employees in their duties. IT operations deployed new antennas to the patrol fleet to allow for improved GPS capabilities, upgraded the Major Case Management environment, used current resources to create a new training facility, and created portable interview kits for several units.

Administration and Personnel

Support for all employees in the Division is key to the RCMP delivering effective policing to the Island. The Administration and Personnel unit provides those services that allow our personnel to perform their duties and ensure that the right people, at the right time are in place and that they are properly supported.

The Administration and Personnel portfolio includes Career Development and Resourcing (staffing); Training; Recruiting; Planning; Client Services; Professional Responsibilities (conduct, discipline, public complaints), Disability Case Management and Employee-Management Relations.

Communications and Media Relations

The Communications and Media Relations Unit ensure that the work of the Island RCMP is both accessible and informative for the residents of Prince Edward Island.

The Unit offers issues management, media relations, internal communications, website content and media evaluation support to senior management, detachments, various units and any special investigation/task forces created for policing projects.

Communications and Media Relations staff promote the work of the RCMP on Prince Edward Island through strategic support in planning and operational means to distribute information. Using the technologies within social media to promote the information posted on the RCMP Prince Edward Island website, concise and correct information is delivered quickly to both media and Islanders directly.

Providing advice and guidance towards strengthening relationships with various audiences and offering suggestions towards raising awareness of police interactions with communities across the Island, the Unit works towards improving understanding of the RCMP policing programs, objectives and actions within Island communities.

Working closely with provincial RCMP counterparts as well as the National RCMP Communications office at Headquarters in Ottawa, the Island Communications and Media Relations Unit collaboratively provides assistance in delivering policing messages to Islanders.

We work in support of all front line officers and specialized units to further the work of RCMP to stop and solve crime and foster healthy communities. We do this with the strong support of Islanders who assist and share our information regularly.

Ground Search and Rescue

Prince Edward Island Ground Search and Rescue (PEIGSAR) is a non-profit organization with over 100 active members. Their mandate is to search for and/or rescue persons who are lost or injured. On PEI, the RCMP has the privilege of a very close working relationship with this professionally trained and dedicated group of volunteers. RCMP Incident Commanders are always deployed along with PEIGSAR and are part of the team during a search. In order to maintain the required level of skill, they also participate in regular training sessions and exercises with PEIGSAR throughout the year. The RCMP Ground Search and Rescue Coordinator/Liaison attends PEIGSARs Executive Meetings and is responsible for authorizing the activation of the team.

While the number of calls for service can be unpredictable and varies from year to year, the number of training and volunteer hours constantly increases. In 2017-2018, members of PEIGSAR participated in 63 exercises and training sessions, and attended 71 community events, festivals and parades. The team was also deployed once to search for a lost person, and once to assist the RCMPs Major Crime Unit with an evidence search.

In addition to preparing for and responding to calls, PEIGSAR volunteers contribute to the safety of Islanders by way of education and training. In 2017-2018, PEIGSAR provided Hug-a-Tree presentations to 400+ students across the Island. They also offer public courses such as Standard and Wilderness First Aid, and Map and Compass to name a few.

PEIGSAR is the responding agency for Project Lifesaver
visit: projectlifesaverpei.com

Additional information on PEIGSAR can be found online.

Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems - drones

There are five RCMP members in Prince Edward Island trained in the use of Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), more commonly known as drones. Training to fly a drone includes attending three days of ground school and instruction on the particular drones the officer is qualified to fly.

The RCMP on PEI have five drones, including one that is equipped with forward looking infrared radar (FLIR), that can be used to search for persons, or objects giving off heat, in the dark.

The drones have been primarily used to take pictures and video footage at collision scenes and other incidents, including mapping school properties. They have also been utilized to look for missing persons and stolen property.

Drones are much more cost effective for aerial photography compared to using traditional methods such as using helicopters or fixed winged aircraft.

Health and wellness corner

In the past year, new Peer-To-Peer Advisors joined the program which is dedicated to assisting fellow employees by providing support and information on the services offered through Health Canadas Employee Assistance Services (EAS) and resources within the RCMP that may help address a challenging situation.

The Division developed a Health & Wellness Committee, chaired by Sgt. Chris Gunn, Mental Health Champion.

Commanding Officer, Chief Superintendent Jennifer Ebert released the Division Resource Guide electronically throughout the Division. The Resource Guide provided valuable information for all employees of RCMP and their families.

In addition, the division began providing Applied Suicide Intervention Skill Training (ASIST) to all categories of RCMP employees within the Division.

Generational Service Insignia

The Generational Service Insignia was launched to recognize the generations of families who have served and continue to serve within the ranks of the RCMP.

The criteria for the awarding of this pin are that the applicant must have had or has an immediate family member who has served with the RCMP. Immediate family member is defined as a grandparent, parent, sibling, spouse, child, and grandchild.

The pin is similar in size to existing Commendation pins and can be worn on operational uniforms, dress uniforms and civilian clothes under the name tag on the right breast pocket. The pin incorporates our regimental colours with an enameled royal blue background and cavalry yellow maple leaves to represent the number of direct generations in service to the RCMP. Pins are given as criteria are met and 15 members on Prince Edward Island have received this honour to date with seven given with one leaf, six with two leaves and two members were given the insignia with three leaves.

Territorial Service Insignia

The Territorial Service Insignia was launched in 2016 to recognize those who have served and continue to serve in our Northern Territories. All RCMP employees who have completed their commitment of service in one or more Territorial Division are eligible to receive the Territorial Service Insignia.

The pin is 32 x 9 mm, royal blue, and edged in gold with a Husky representing M Division, a Polar Bear representing G Division, and an Inuksuk representing V Division. Combinations of the Husky, Polar Bear, and Inuksuk are also available for those employees who have served in multiple Territorial Divisions. In Prince Edward Island, 28 members were provided a pin to represent the territory or territories in which they worked prior to PEI.

Divisional overview

Island RCMP District comparisons – 2017-04-01 / 2018-03-31

RCMP 2017-2018 final expenditures

Notes:

We're part of your community

PEI Veterans Association

The Prince Edward Island Division of the RCMP Veterans Association received its charter on November 9, 1978. The PEI Division currently has 75 active members, 15 life members, 31 associate members, and one honourary life member. The CO of L Division is the honourary president of the PEI Division.

The PEI Division hosted the 2017 annual general meeting of the Association at the Holman Grand Hotel, Charlottetown from June 1 to 3, 2017. This was the first modified format the Association held. Prior annual general meetings were convention style meetings but the 2017 AGM was reduced to the general meeting, a board meeting, a presentation by former Chief of Defence Staff General Walt Natynczyk, and a dinner event.

The PEI Division organized the annual Police and Peace Officers Memorial Service which was held at Zion Presbyterian Church in Charlottetown on September 24, 2017. The event is supported by the PEI Police Officers Association, the PEI Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Province of PEI.

Members of the PEI Division assisted at the barbeque following the Gold Cup and Saucer parade and provided advocacy assistance to a number of former members and surviving spouses to ensure that they received their entitlements due to deaths and health issues.

The RCMP is hiring

Did you know there are more than 150 different types of operational and administrative opportunities within the RCMP?

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police offers meaningful work, vast opportunities, the chance to serve across Canada and a career like no other. RCMP officers play an important role in ensuring the safety and security of those in the communities they serve. Responsible for enforcing the law and investigating the crime, our officers are role models and leaders who provide advice and guidance to people from all walks of life. If you want to make a difference in your community and your country, this is a career to consider.

The RCMP is looking for people who are responsible, respectful, professional, compassionate, honest and who have integrity. Once training is successfully complete, a new member will be posted to one of our 750 detachments across Canada.

For more information on a career with the RCMP and basic requirements, visit our website where you will also find information on career presentations.

Stay Connected With Your Island RCMP
Island RCMP

Date modified:

2019-01-21