Kelowna RCMP Shifts Focus from Downtown to Rutland Area

As summer ends, the Kelowna RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit is shifting its focus from the downtown area to the Rutland community, responding to the diverse policing needs throughout the city. This transition marks a strategic move to extend the unit’s efforts, which have primarily targeted social disorder, public drug use, and street-level drug trafficking in the downtown core.

During the busy summer months, the Crime Reduction Unit has dedicated its resources to addressing issues that have affected the downtown area. According to Sgt. Scott Powrie of the Crime Reduction Unit, the decision to redirect attention is based on the recognition that other neighborhoods, including Mission and Pandosy, also require enhanced policing.

Sgt. Powrie explained the proactive approach of the unit, stating, “We recognize that there are other areas in our city that require the enhanced policing that our team has been delivering downtown on a regular basis.” The unit specifically targets complex social disorder issues, problem residences, and known offenders who negatively impact community safety.

As part of their operations, members of the Crime Reduction Unit can often be seen patrolling on bicycles and ATVs, employing covert strategies that include surveillance and the use of in-house criminal intelligence analysts. This tactical approach aims to address crime effectively and enhance community safety.

The transition to the Rutland area is set to begin as early as next week. “As we move some of our resources out of the downtown core, we will be immediately focusing our attention on the Rutland community,” Powrie noted. This shift aims to respond swiftly to the needs of the community, reinforcing public safety in a broader area of Kelowna.

Residents are encouraged to report any criminal activity to the Kelowna RCMP. For emergencies, individuals should prioritize their safety and call 9-1-1. For non-emergency situations, the detachment can be reached at 250-762-3300. Additionally, community members can remain anonymous by contacting Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submitting a tip online.

As the Crime Reduction Unit embarks on this new chapter, its commitment to ensuring a safe environment for all Kelowna residents remains strong.