Salmon Arm RCMP are pursuing numerous charges in relation to a "significant file involving Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material."
Staff Sgt. Simon Scott, during his quarterly report (Jan. 1 to March 31, 2025) to city council, said the charges are being sought against a "repeat offender."
Other "investigate highlights" from the quarter included a couple of missing persons files, including Derek Ryde who was reported missing on March 25, though he hadn't been seen since Feb. 25.
"We have been working with Shuswap Search and Rescue as well as the family in trying to locate Mr. Ryde," said Scott at the April 28 council meeting.
RCMP officers also responded to several "very challenging files related to the tragic deaths of three youth from our community."
"Once I drafted this report I鈥檝e since had another sad tragic death in our community," said Scott. "Our thoughts continue to go out to those families and community members affected by these events."
During the quarter police also saw an increase in counterfeit cigarettes, "and there has been an increase in seizures of these cigarettes."
Regarding staffing, Scott said the Salmon Arm detachment is currently running at 81 per cent capacity with 21 members. Two more constables are expected to begin working in the city this summer. Scott said he's still looking to fill his former spot, Operations NCO (non-commissioned officer)/Sergeant, as well as a vacant corporal spot which Scott said will "probably be going out for promotion in the coming weeks."
Over the quarter, Salmon Arm RCMP responded to 1,524 calls for service, 1,222 of those from within the city. There were 248 documented traffic stops, that led to charges for nine prohibited drivers. Police also responded to 24 collisions with damage over $10,000, injury collisions or fatal collisions within Salmon Arm.
Regarding community engagement, Scott said foot patrols were increased in the city core, at the farmers market and at community events, including Salmon Arm Silverbacks games.
"Didn鈥檛 seem to help," joked Scott.
Police have been working with the city's bylaw officers to deal with a few problem residences in town, and have been "actively working with the local schools and community groups presenting on topics including scams, safe social media use, and safety related to motorized scooters."
Coun. Kevin Flynn commented on the city's desire for additional rural policing, noting he didn't think there's been an increase since he's been on council.
"I鈥檓 sure that puts pressures on our urban policing, and I know we鈥檝e brought it to the province every time we go to UBCM, and probably will again this year鈥� I think the numbers would show that it鈥檚 needed to have one more officer鈥�," said Flynn.
