The Athabasca RCMP recorded a massive drop in its Crime Severity Index last year, though local officials are still seeking answers regarding recent police operations.
According to a recent media release, the Athabasca detachment saw its Crime Severity Index fall by 24.6 per cent, dropping from 177.2 in 2024 to 133.6 in 2025. This decline outpaced the provincial average, which saw a 10.4 per cent decrease across Alberta RCMP jurisdictions.
The index is a statistical tool used by Statistics Canada to measure both the volume and seriousness of crimes reported to police within a specific population.
In the release, Detachment Commander Staff Sgt. Greg Dolan says the drop reflects the hard work of officers and strong local partnerships.
“This decrease reflects not only the ongoing dedication and hard work of our detachment members, but also the strength of the partnerships we have built within the communities we serve,” Dolan says.
Despite the positive statistics, communication between the RCMP and the community was questioned during the Municipal District of Opportunity council meeting on Aug. 24.
During the council roundtable, Councillor Darlene Jackson expressed frustration over an incident that took place during Treaty Days. Jackson said she had concerns regarding an incident and a lack of body camera footage from the RCMP. She requested a follow-up meeting with the local detachment commander to discuss the matter.
Dolan’s quarterly community policing report, covering April 1 to June 30, 2026, was also included in the council agenda package.
The report outlines the detachment’s ongoing focus on habitual offender management and property crime reduction. During the first quarter, the detachment exceeded its initial targets by submitting seven breach charges for prolific offenders.
For property crimes, officers conducted intelligence-led, high-visibility patrols. These efforts resulted in four charges—including mischief, break and enter, and possession of stolen property—along with ongoing investigations. The detachment also conducted two warrant apprehension initiatives targeting priority offenders.
On the staffing front, the report indicates the detachment has 13 of its 15 established regular member positions filled, with two officers currently on medical leave. Three new officers are currently undergoing training under the close supervision of field trainers.
Dolan also says in his report that residents will soon notice a change in the look of local police cruisers.
The Alberta RCMP is rolling out new black-and-white General Duty vehicles. The updated cruisers feature white doors on a black base with highly reflective graphics. Dolan says the design is meant to ensure vehicles are easily recognized in all conditions while maintaining a connection to the RCMP’s history.
The new vehicles will be introduced gradually as older units are retired to avoid unnecessary costs.
To keep crime rates trending downward, Dolan says the public needs to remain proactive.
“We encourage residents to continue reporting suspicious activity and criminal incidents to their local RCMP detachment by phone, in person, or through online reporting and information-sharing platforms,” Dolan says.
Armaan Khanna
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter