According to the annual crime statistics from Statistics Canada, there has been an increase in firearms offences and violent crime across the province along with the number of victims continuing to climb.
There were approximately 6,700 more victims of reported violent crime than 10 years ago – a 45 per cent increase within Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction.
In 2024, 21,907 individuals reported they were victims of violent crime, compared to 15,160 victims in 2015, and 21,304 victims in 2023.
“The impacts of violent crime are felt in communities across Saskatchewan long after police investigations end,” says Insp. Ashley St. Germaine, Senior Investigative Officer with the Saskatchewan RCMP's Major Crimes Branch.
“At the end of the day, we can’t police our way out of this rise in violence – a multi-faceted response is required. Saskatchewan RCMP continues to work with health partners, social services, and community stakeholders to combat the root causes of dangerous crime in the province and make it a safer place for all those who call it home.”
Violent crime offences include Assault, Harassment or Uttering Threats, Sexual Assault or other sexual offences, Firearms, Robbery, Forcible Confinement, Kidnapping, Attempted Murder and Homicide.
Of the 21,907 victims of violent crime in 2024:
-Assaults (including aggravated assaults, common assaults, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm) accounted for 62 per cent;
-Harassment/Uttering Threats accounted for 25 per cent;
-Sexual Assaults and other sexual offences accounted for seven per cent;
-Firearms (use of, discharge, pointing) accounted for two per cent;
-Robbery accounted for two per cent;
-Kidnapping / Forcible Confinement accounted for one per cent;
-Other persons offences accounted for one per cent; and Homicide and Attempted murder accounted for less than one per cent.
Last year, Saskatchewan RCMP’s North District accounted for 51 per cent of the total violent crime, while the Central District accounted for 28 per cent and South District for 21 per cent.
“The reality is this situation requires a complex policing response from the Saskatchewan RCMP,” says Insp. St. Germaine. “Frontline officers work alongside specialized units to address the drivers of violent crime every day. Our police officers are in communities working tirelessly to remove illicit drugs, seize illegal weapons, and arrest offenders.”
Along with the increased number of victims of violent crime, victims are experiencing more severe forms of violence.
In the last 10 years, violent firearms offences (use of, discharge, pointing) have more than tripled in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction – increasing 252 per cent from 140 reported incidents in 2015 to 493 in 2024.
In Saskatchewan RCMP’s North District, violent firearm offences have increased 485 per cent in the last 10 years. The district accounted for 73 per cent of the total violent firearms offences in 2024.
Central and South districts have increased 67 per cent and 65 per cent in the last 10 years and account for 18 per cent and 9 per cent of the total violent firearms offences investigated in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction in 2024.