The Prince Albert Police Service have released their 2020 crime statistics.

The police service said overall they responded to 45,301 calls in 2020. Police said this was an increase of just over 11 per cent from last year. According to police much of the increase in call volume can be attributed to proactive neighborhood strengthening efforts.

The numbers were presented to the board of police commissioners at their regular meeting Monday morning at City Hall.

In regards to violent crimes, P.A. saw 1,230 cases reported. This is a one per cent decrease from last year, where 1,247 cases were reported. Specifically, the city saw nine homicides in 2020 an increase of three from the year previous. 126 sexual violations were also reported to police in 2020, which is an increase of two from the year previous.

Police Chief Jon Bergen said violent crime is an issue which is front of mind for him and the police service.

“The violent crime hurts the community, it hurts the family and definitely weighs on all our members as well,” he said.

Bergen added they have seen what he call ‘unusual’ incidents of homicide and that overall violent crime is what concerns him the most.

In regards to combating the issue of violent crime Bergen said enforcement is only part of dealing with the issue. He explained police are working with other groups to try to deal with gang violence and other serious issues.

Overall Bergen said dealing with violent crime can be difficult. The chief explained they try to look at all the details of their investigations to see what could potentially be done in regards to being more proactive.

“If and when we can adapt our approach we will,” he said.

New bylaw enforcement

When it came to the city’s new back alley bylaw Bergen said police have not issued any fines. Bergen explained he has asked for an internal review from front line supervisors to see if people are complying with the new bylaw.

“I am waiting to receive more information on that, but I too have not seen any specific tickets issued under the bylaw,” he said.