The Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) has not seen an increase in crime because of restrictions related to the coronavirus, but it believes offences could increase the longer the pandemic continues.
It’s still too early to determine how much crime right now can be connected to COVID-19 since it has been only a couple of weeks, while there has been nothing striking or irregular with the calls for service received every day, explained Police Chief Rick Bourassa. However, the police service is tracking the data, watching for shifts and continually monitoring the community.
“We certainly anticipate with some increased stress levels among people, we know we’re going to see that. We can’t help but have that (since) we’re humans,” said Bourassa.
People become stressed during “interesting times” like this since their regular routines have become disrupted. However, the police chief remarked, there has not been an increase in property crimes.
“The toilet paper supply is safe,” Bourassa laughed.
Police services across Saskatchewan are in constant communication and are making each other aware of issues that have arisen due to the coronavirus. Therefore, if one community sees a rise in crime, it’s likely similar offences might happen elsewhere.
The MJPS is aware that domestic violence issues could also increase since people are closer in proximity than normal, Bourassa said. There hasn’t been a spike in this area — he hoped there wouldn’t be — but the police would watch for it.
The police service encourages anyone who isn’t in a safe situation at home to call and they willl respond as best they can.
“We are happy to continue to provide policing services and we will continue to provide that,” Bourassa said. “When this is behind us — as it will be — we certainly will look back and see what things we did (and) what things we could have done better.”
Internally, Bourassa and MJPS management have been busier than usual, as they ensure there is enough equipment to protect officers. While they normally prepare for disruptive events, they are now implementing the different levels of their preparedness plan. This takes time and effort, but will ensure officers stay safe through the pandemic.
Externally, the police service is still conducting its regular business and community functions as normally as possible. Aside from no longer offering criminal record checks, all other services continue to be provided. Bourassa encouraged anyone who needs the police to call for assistance.
One thing that’s changed with calls to police, however, is callers are asked to say whether they feel well. This ensures police — if they have to respond — do not participate in transmitting the coronavirus.
Besides the provincial health authority, the police service is also working with the chamber of commerce to help the business community understand the restrictions it faces. One police officer now visits businesses to help them comply with all provincial orders about whether they can remain open or should close.
Police encourage everyone to self-isolate and obey all public health orders, especially if they have travelled out of country or are sick, said Bourassa. Most residents have been happy to obey those instructions and no fines have been handed out. Police would rather hand out information instead of use enforcement. This is why the MJPS directs everyone to the provincial government website for info about the coronavirus.
Moose Jaw police have not had to break up any large parties, laughed Bourassa. Instead, police have received only a few calls from people concerned about their neighbours and self-isolation.
“We’ve got a great community. People just pull together in these times — and maintaining social distance — we pull together in spirit,” Bourassa added with a chuckle. “It really has been heartening to see (that).”
