Community Policing Priorities Survey Results

Community Safety Survey Highlights Residents’ Priorities

Earlier this year, the MD of Spirit River invited residents to share their thoughts on community safety and policing priorities. The survey received responses from residents living on farms, rural properties and acreages.

While many respondents said they generally feel safe in their communities, the responses also highlighted several concerns that residents would like to see addressed through increased police visibility, communication and community-based initiatives.

Theft and Rural Crime Top the List

The most consistent concern among respondents was theft, including stolen vehicles, fuel, tools and equipment. Break-ins, trespassing and suspicious activity were also frequently identified.

Several rural residents described concerns about people entering properties, equipment or items going missing, and unfamiliar vehicles travelling or stopping on rural roads. Some respondents said they have experienced or witnessed theft or suspicious activity within the past year.

For residents living in rural areas, farmyard theft, equipment theft, fuel theft and trespassing were among the most frequently identified rural-specific concerns.

Residents Want More Police Visibility

A strong theme throughout the survey was a desire for increased RCMP presence in rural areas. Many respondents specifically mentioned patrols on rural gravel roads, back roads, highways and routes between communities.

Some residents suggested that even periodic patrols could provide reassurance and potentially deter criminal activity. Others identified particular areas where increased visibility could be helpful, including around Rycroft, Woking, rural roadways and high-traffic areas.

Traffic enforcement was another recurring priority, with respondents raising concerns about speeding on highways and through communities, as well as traffic safety around school buses.

Response Times Matter

Response times were another significant theme. Several respondents said that longer RCMP response times affect their sense of safety, with some describing the impact as significant.

Residents also expressed a desire for better communication between the RCMP and the community, particularly when suspicious activity or other safety concerns occur.

At the same time, several respondents expressed appreciation for local RCMP members and acknowledged the challenges officers face. One respondent noted that police are “doing the best they can with what guidelines they have to work with,” while another simply offered appreciation for the work police are doing.

Interest in Community-Based Solutions

Respondents expressed support for a variety of initiatives, including community patrols, public education, increased traffic enforcement, youth programs and collaboration with local organizations.

There was also interest in community safety or RCMP information sessions, with several respondents saying they would attend and others indicating they might.

Some residents suggested additional tools and technology could help address rural crime, including security cameras and other measures that could assist with identifying vehicles or individuals involved in incidents.

Keeping Residents Informed

When asked how they would prefer to receive information about local safety and RCMP initiatives, residents most commonly identified Facebook, the MD website and the Spirit of the Central Peace newsletter, with some also selecting public meetings and email.

However, several respondents said they do not feel well informed about crime and safety issues in the area. This suggests there may be an opportunity to strengthen regular communication about community safety, available resources and policing initiatives.

A Community Conversation

Overall, the survey provides the MD and local policing partners with useful insight into what residents are seeing and experiencing in rural areas.

The responses point to several recurring priorities: more visible police presence, addressing rural theft and property crime, traffic enforcement, timely response, improved communication and collaboration between police, municipalities and residents.

The survey also demonstrated that residents recognize the importance of working together. Alongside concerns and suggestions, several respondents expressed appreciation for local police and a desire to find constructive solutions that can help make the Central Peace a safer place to live, work and raise a family.

The MD of Spirit River thanks everyone who took the time to participate and share their perspective. Resident feedback will help inform ongoing conversations around community safety and policing priorities in the region.

View the survey results: MD of Spirit River – Community Safety & Policing Priorities Survey (Responses)