Over the past 20 years criminals and crime have changed in many ways. Many factors have influenced this but likely none more than drugs and technology.
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The use of methamphetamine, and more recently fentanyl, has had a significant impact on policing. Even the legalization of cannabis has changed things.
Although there are laws governing the use and possession of cannabis, in the past, the detection of cannabis often led to arrests for the possession of other drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy.
With newer synthetic drugs being developed at such high potency, small amounts are required by the drug user which then makes them easier to conceal. Cannabis, having such a strong odour to it, was easier to detect roadside leading to arrests and searches which often involved the discovery of other easier to conceal drugs.
Current drugs that are prominent change the users thought process and after a relatively short time, these changes can be permanent. A few years ago, an officer working in a detachment of mine was involved in a shooting related to a vehicle being driven at him.
He was forced to discharge his service pistol at the threat, the driver, but no bullets struck the driver. Upon apprehension of the driver, who had used meth, she kept repeating she just wanted to get away.
This incident was profound showing the desperation and focused goal orientation of the driver after a number of rounds were discharged at her.
These substances have increased the risk to the public and police officers trying to apprehend them. Drug users have become more desperate in their desire to escape putting anyone near them at risk.
Technology has allowed the introduction of a plethora of scams and ways to commit, or facilitate the committing of, crimes. Gone are the days of receiving faxes from some prince somewhere trying to get his money out of a reportedly corrupt country needing your help with a rich reward. The fax part has faded but now it is sent via email.
Technology has made many things easier for criminals. Mail order drugs, stolen goods for offer online, identity theft, credit card duplication, investor fraud, etc. were not prominent a mere 10 to 15 years ago.
Young people sharing intimate images and in addition to the sharing of child sexual abuse material is unfortunately more common than most people realize.
Firearms manufacturing has been made very easy by downloading programs and having a 3D printer. Other weapons are also being manufactured in homes but ghost guns hold the biggest threat (no serial number).
This has all made law enforcement increasingly challenging as with each new drug or method of scamming someone, new laws are required and, changes to police tactics to bring those responsible to accountability.
The good news is that there are laws covering new technological offenses and we are getting better at detecting and investigating these. As criminals think up new ways to victimize others, law enforcement will keeping advancing to address this.
– Staff Sgt. Jerry Nutbown, is the NCO in charge of the Lloydminster RCMP detachment’s General Investigation Section. Stay tuned for future articles from the Lloydminster RCMP.
This column was originally published in the Feb. 6, 2025, edition of the Meridian Source.
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