(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Significant drop

City of Red Deer’s crime severity index score down 20%

Jul 25, 2025 | 4:05 PM

Red Deer’s crime severity index (CSI) value significantly dropped in 2024 but the city still remains one of the most dangerous in Canada, according to the index.

According to Statistics Canada’s 2024 report, Red Deer experienced a 20 per cent decrease from 147.8 in 2023 to 118.7 in 2024.

As a result, Red Deer ranked fourth among census metropolitan areas on the CSI, only Winnipeg (124.4), Kamloops (129.9), and Chilliwack (141.7) were higher.

Red Deer also had the second-highest reported crime rates among CMA’s at 10,650 per 100,000 people, despite a 17 per cent drop from 2023 to 2024.

The Red Deer RCMP said the community’s significant decrease on the CSI in 2024 is a result of strategic policing and collaboration with the community.

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Police say Red Deer’s reduction outpaces the provincial decrease and is a sign of positive momentum in the efforts to reduce crime.

“This drop in crime severity shows what is possible when police, community partners, and residents work together towards a common goal,” said Insp. Brock Linaker, in a media release. “We are proud of the progress made and are committed to continuing the momentum in 2025 and beyond.”

The RCMP said much of the overall decrease in CSI can be attributed to the drop in break and enter offences, assaults, and theft under $5,000.

Key actions that contributed to the reduction include:

• Increased patrols and proactive police presence, particularly by General Duty, Downtown Patrol Unit (DPU), Youth and Community Action Team (YCAT), and Traffic Services. These efforts focused on high-traffic areas and known crime corridors.
• Enhanced enforcement capacity and modernization through the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (drones), helping locate and arrest individuals more efficiently.
• Specialized teams such as the General Investigation Section and Crime Reduction Team used intelligence-led strategies such as Targeted Response to Auto Theft (TARP) and other projects to focus on prolific offenders and reduce repeat offences.
• Virtual Opioid Dependency Program Unit (VODP) and DPU actively engaged individuals facing addictions and connected them with treatment and support services. These teams also worked with downtown businesses to share strategies for crime prevention.
• Public education campaigns led by YCAT and the Public Information Officer, offering tips and crime trend updates aimed at reducing victimization and improving public awareness.
• Red Deer RCMP also continued its focus on data-driven policing, using up-to-date crime analysis to direct resources where they are needed most.

While the results are encouraging, police say they will continue to assess local crime trends and adjust response strategies as needed.

“Our citizens continue to be appreciative and thankful for the diligence and commitment of our RCMP partners,” said Mayor Ken Johnston, in a media release. “Their dedication to smart policing and strategic enforcement have undoubtedly contributed to making our community safer.”