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Country Thunder 2024 marked a significant milestone for the famous festival, with this year seeing the One Millionth fan come through the gates. Both famous and infamous for its rowdy party scene, the weekend saw Saskatchewan RCMP officers respond to a total of 147 calls for service.
Calls for service attributed to the influx of people in the area were tracked between Wednesday, July 10 and Monday, July 15. The calls resulted in 33 people taken into custody and six charges laid under Canada's Criminal Code.
Saskatchewan RCMP officers were on hand throughout the festival and surrounding area, responding to calls for service last weekend.
Calls included:
- 27 liquor-related offences (for example Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act-related offences or reports of public intoxication)
- 24 reports of disturbing the peace
- 15 requests to assist the general public (ex. assisting until EMS arrived on scene)
- 10 reports of mischief
- 5 reports of theft
- 4 reports of sexual assault
- 3 reports of assault
- 2 reports of uttering threats
- 1 person reported missing (located)
- 1 traffic collision (no injuries)
On Saturday and Sunday, Sask RCMP conducted a traffic safety initiative in partnership with SGI with the purpose of ensuring impaired drivers were taken off the roads. As a result of this initiative, 38 individuals received roadside driver’s license suspensions due to alcohol or drug impairment, three of whom are also facing criminal charges.
“Each year as thousands of people gather to enjoy Country Thunder Saskatchewan, our officers come from across the province to help keep those in attendance and the surrounding communities as safe as possible,” said Supt. Tyler Bates, from the Saskatchewan RCMP South District Management Team.
“Planning is a critical part of ensuring public safety. I am proud of the work and collaboration our officers demonstrated leading up to and during Country Thunder Saskatchewan to ensure that calls for service were answered, and road safety was upheld.”