Prince Albert police continue to grapple with the recent rise in violent crime in the city.
There have been two homicides in just the past week for a total of seven this year.
Prince Albert Police Board of Police Commissioners Chair Sheryl Kimbley said these crimes have traumatic effects on a number of people.
“As parents and community members, we want to offer our thoughts and condolences to the families who are struggling with a serious injury or loss of a family member,” she said. “This is a pain that too many families in Prince Albert are having to deal with.”
Kimbley said the causes of the crimes are varied and police can’t combat them all on their own.
“The board feels strongly that more funding is needed in our community to address and target threats due to illegal gang activity, weapons complaints, mental health concerns and drug and alcohol addiction.”
Kimbley was speaking at a virtual press conference Wednesday morning.
Prince Albert Police Chief Jon Bergen held a similar media conference last week.
Police recently announced the creation of a crime suppression team which will tackle gang activity, gun violence and property crime.
This team will work closely with the integrated crime reduction team, street enforcement team and police and crisis team.