ST. PAUL – On Aug. 13, St. Paul’s new RCMP detachment commander Dennis Siliker introduced himself to County of St. Paul council.
After receiving a warm welcome, Silliker and council found themselves talking about the issue of rural crime, including what Reeve Glen Ockerman called a “catch and release” justice system that he believes leads to increased crime in rural Alberta.
“I know it’s not a policing issue... but that’s probably one of the bigger concerns we have. We hear it all the time,” said Ockerman. He noted how some ratepayers report the same individuals causing property crime repeatedly, and “Nothing ever happens.”
Coun. Dale Hedrick also said in the past few weeks, rural crime in his district has been “brutal.”
“Every single night, people’s shops have been getting robbed... their houses and vehicles. It’s been pretty bad. So, any extra help we could get would be great,” said Hedrick.
Silliker said he hears the frustration.
He said it can also be frustrating for investigators who work hard to investigate crimes, gather intelligence and evidence - but Silliker said the justice system is out of the RCMP’s role.
“I can’t speak obviously to the judiciary and beyond... We use the authority that we’re given in the purview of our responsibilities and go from there. And what happens after that, unfortunately, is above my pay grade,” said Silliker.
Ockerman said he understands, explaining that council has been looking for ways or “for some direction or help for how we can maybe... make a change,” he said.
Coun. Maxine Fodness also asked if it’s true that there is some sort of a committee that reviews criminal files and decides whether an investigation is warranted or not to prevent backlog in the court system. She is particularly concerned that all the work the RCMP does becomes futile if there is a body that has the power to decide what files or crimes should be investigated or not.
“Ultimately, the Crown counsel has discretion on whether or not they're going to be pursuing an investigation,” Silliker said.
“My members will, based on reasonable and probable grounds, determine if... an offense has occurred. We go then and gather our evidence, we submit our charges, and from that point that our packages are submitted, it's out of our hands.”
But Silliker assured council that, “I am here to work with you.”
He said he chose to come back to Alberta and chose to come to St. Paul. “As far as I’m concerned, God willing, this is my last post.”
He said he wants to stay and invest in the community and is committed to addressing concerns in the community, like rural crime.
“I can’t speak to what’s necessarily happened before, but certainly, I think we can agree that building communication and building that relationship now is going to be absolutely essential going forward.”
