Red Deer RCMP arrested eight people in April by keeping track of repeat offenders and identifying crime hotspots using the Pinpoint policing approach.
Used for six years in Red Deer, Pinpoint is a proactive, strategic policing method, that involves crime data analysis.
The eight suspects arrested in April faced weapons charges, flight from police, driving while suspended, failing to comply with release orders, theft and other outstanding warrants.
Police said during a recent patrol, Crime Reduction Unit members identified a stolen vehicle, which then fled from a marked police vehicle. Members were able to locate the vehicle and arrested the driver without incident.
“Pinpoint has proven a very effective tool for us. The data-driven approach helps us identify the problematic addresses, people and behaviours that most affect community safety in Red Deer,” said Insp. Holly Glassford, officer in charge for the Red Deer RCMP in a statement.
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Staff Sgt. Rob Marsollier said repeat offenders are monitored and held accountable to make sure they are abiding by curfew and residency conditions through Pinpoint.
Residents are also playing a role in crime reduction by calling in suspicious activity, he said.
“They know their neighbourhoods better than we do of course, and if they see someone or something that doesn’t belong there, they’re quick to give us a shout,” Marsollier said.
Residents can report a crime, suspicious behaviour, or unsafe situation in the community to Red Deer RCMP by calling the non-emergency line at 403-343-5575, or online at https://ocre-sielc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/alberta.