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There was a mostly positive story to tell as Interim Police Chief Lorilee Davies presented her October report to Regina’s Board of Police Commissioners on Tuesday.
Through the end of October, the city has seen a 15.8 per cent decrease in overall crime compared to the same period in 2024. Crime dropped by 1.6 per cent from September.
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The report said there were notable decreases in property crime categories, and crimes against people were also down, driven by “significantly” lower robbery and assault numbers.
At the same time, an increase in arson cases was singled out, as was a rash of vehicle thefts and break-ins during October, mainly targeting recreation facilities.
Davies told reporters the continued lower crime rate reflects a larger Western Canadian trend, but in Regina she believes having the resources to do patrols in high-crime areas is helping.
“I think increased police visibility, ensuring that we’re out in areas that we know are having troubles with crime,” she explained.
“I’d like to think that some of that, we’re nipping that in the bud so that things don’t really grab on and take hold.”
Homicides take big jump
After ending 2024 with only six homicides, Regina is on track to double that number this year, with 11 reported so far.
While Davies says it’s a concern, it’s a number that fluctuates from year to year and is difficult to predict.
“From a policing perspective, I’m happy to say that we’ve laid charges in all of the instances that we’ve had,” she said. “So in terms of holding people accountable to the worst crimes out there, I’m happy to say that we’re able to do that, and hopefully for families, that is some small consolation.”
But Davies cautioned against trying to find a common thread among homicide cases.
“I think each instance has to be looked at directly, on the circumstances. We’ve got a lot of different things that can lead to homicide throughout the year.”
She added that in the big picture, it’s about addressing things like domestic violence, gang interdiction, and drug enforcement.
Complex needs facility hailed as ongoing success
Davies told the board meeting she had the chance to see how RPS members admit people to the complex needs facility that was established as part of a provincial initiative in 2024.
She said she found the process efficient, taking only five minutes of members’ time.
The facility takes in people picked up by police for intoxication levels that could pose a danger to themselves or others.
Davies explained the only options prior to its establishment were to take someone to police cells or to the emergency room.
“It’s been really great for our community, I would say, in terms of offering that other option, and hopefully it gets a few people onto a different path.”
According to the report, 147 people are admitted to the facility in October, bringing the total since July 2024 to 1,531.
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