The Lloydminster RCMP highlighted its community-focused approach and proactive policing during a presentation to the Rotary Club of Lloydminster on Aug. 25.
Read more: Lloyd RCMP arrest two for drug trafficking
Insp. Brian Nicholl told members traffic enforcement is a key tool for crime prevention.
“All of your stolen property is transported in a vehicle at some point in time,” he said.
Nicholl also explained targeted traffic stops can help officers seize drugs and recover stolen goods.
He noted the detachment’s proactive work has ranked it fourth in the province for cocaine-related seizures this year.
“That’s because we’re proactive,” he said. “All of the different drugs were ranked fourth or higher for seizures.”
The municipality funds the RCMP detachment in Lloydminster. In return, they prioritize what the community wants to see. Recently, they pointed to their bait bike program, which has significantly reduced bike thefts in the community.
Lloydminster RCMP hold two town halls each year to gather feedback from community members.
“Believe it or not, traffic is the No. 1 priority I hear everywhere I go,” said Nicholl.
Augmenting the frontline
In addition to frontline officers, the detachment includes plainclothes investigators and a crime reduction unit. Nicholl said these units respond to serious crimes or target ongoing issues identified through data or community input.
“The serious crime side will investigate if we have something serious the frontline members can’t address first-hand,” he said.
Lloydminster’s location on the provincial border adds complexity to policing. Nicholl described challenges dealing with the complexities.
“If somebody is in mental crisis, I can take them down the street to the Saskatchewan hospital,” he said. “If I go a block that way (into Alberta), I have to take that person to St. Paul.”
The detachment also hosts specialized units from Alberta and Saskatchewan. These include police dogs, forensic identification, a provincial law enforcement response team and a Saskatchewan crime reduction team.
“You might see more and more police driving around,” said Nicholl, praising the community and its role in guiding policing priorities.
“Every community has drugs as a problem,” he said. “Every community has unhoused issues. Lloyd is not unique in that. It’s just a matter of time.”
Social media misrepresents police work
“All they see is negativity,” said Nicholl. “That is so demoralizing for our police officers that are out there.”
He explained short video clips of arrests give the public a limited view.
“You don’t know what happened for the half hour before that,” he said. “(An) arrest is a violent act. We’re not doing it because they were a good person.”
Staffing is another concern and Nicholl said many members are new recruits who may leave after their first posting.
“The challenge is they also want to leave,” he said. “It’s their first posting, the grass is greener somewhere else.”
The detachment’s minimum staffing per watch is five officers with as many as eight some days. Plainclothes units also augment frontline staff when needed. Nicholl said officers’ schedules include leave, training and sick time, all of which affect availability.
Municipal restraints
Municipal budgets also constrain policing.
“You pay for what you get,” he said. “Policing is probably one of the top drivers of every single municipal budget. We are an expensive contract.”
The justice system adds another layer of frustration. Offenders obtaining quick release usually has a lot to do with limited jail space, according to Nicholl.
“We don’t have enough jails,” he said.
More cops, more jails and more judges would cost more taxes. Nicholl explained officers understand the systemic limitations but remain committed.
“Every four years, we have the potential for a whole bunch of people leaving. But some members have been here 17 years, 15 years and 12 years,” he said.
Despite challenges, Nicholl praised community support.
“We are a busy detachment,” he said. “Our cops are doing a flippin’ phenomenal job. Not perfect, but very, very good.”
He emphasized the importance of public recognition and understanding.
“When you see a positive note of support on social media, it really helps our members and their families,” he said.
The presentation provided insight into the human side of policing, highlighting the pressures officers face, the impact of public perception and the dedication required to maintain safety in Lloydminster.
Read more: Lloyd RCMP continue proactive work
