Increased foot patrols at Yellowknife library lead to dramatic drop in disturbance calls

The Yellowknife public library is a more peaceful place this year, according to statistics released by the city.

According to the city's municipal enforcement division, there have been 68 calls for assistance to the library so far this year, compared to 418 last year by this date.

The City says this is thanks to increased foot patrols by municipal enforcement officers, and extended hours at the Safe Harbour day shelter across the street.

Councillor Adrian Bell says those tasked with controlling the downtown core should take notice.

"I think you're seeing the impact that a certain frequency of patrol can have," Bell said.

"We've made real progress here, and that's a lesson… not just for municipal enforcement but for the GNWT and the city of Yellowknife in terms of improving the environment in downtown Yellowknife."

Bell pointed out that the city patrolled the library 34 times in May, whereas the RCMP reported 36 downtown patrols over the same period.

Staff Sergeant Alex Laporte, operations manager for Yellowknife RCMP, told council those 36 patrols took anywhere from ten to 45 minutes each, depending on whether or not officers were called off their patrols for more urgent calls.

"I'm concerned that doesn't send a message to people who might be behaving inappropriately in the downtown that there might be RCMP around the corner who [for example] might confiscate your open alcohol," Bell said.

RCMP "seized and destroyed" 29 bottles of liquor during their patrols in May. Laporte said RCMP intends to increase its downtown presence, and improve its internal record keeping with regard to downtown police presence.

In their 2017 budget, the City set aside $300,000 for new downtown community safety officer positions.

Year-to-date RCMP statistics show an overall decline in calls for service so far this year, down by over 900 calls from 5,427 to 4,510.

A highlight for RCMP in May was the arrest of six on drug and weapons related charges.

For the full police report, visit the City of Yellowknife website.