In some of their latest crime data, the Saskatchewan RCMP took a look at some of the increase in firearms offences and violent crime across the province, as the number of affected victims continues to climb.
Last year in the RCMP's jurisdiction, there were around 6,700 more victims of reported violent crime than 10 years ago, making up a 45 per cent increase. 21,907 individuals reported they were victims of violent crime in 2024, 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,” said 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.”
Some of the crimes included among those numbers are Assault, Harassment or Uttering Threats, Sexual Assault or other sexual offences, Firearms, Robbery, Forcible Confinement, Kidnapping, Attempted Murder and Homicide.
RCMP broke down the figures for 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.
Saskatchewan RCMP’s North District accounted for 51 per cent of the total violent crime in 2024, while the Central District accounted for 28 per cent and the South District for 21 per cent.
“The reality is this situation requires a complex policing response from the Saskatchewan RCMP,” said 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.”
In the last 10 years, violent firearms offences (use of, discharge, pointing) have more than tripled in the provincial RCMP's jurisdiction, increasing by 252 per cent from 140 reported incidents in 2015 to 493 in 2024.