Reflecting on policing in 2023, the head of the 49-member Lloydminster RCMP says traffic-related issues remain a “torn in the side” along with concern for the unhoused.
Detachment Commander, Staff Sgt. Brian Nicholl, who has been in the city for about a year and a half says from the various town hall meetings and listening to the community, they have heard the call to emphasize dealing with traffic issues.
“We have seen a dramatic increase in enforcement including impaired driving. We have done some proactive work on the policing side,” says Nicholl.
The Lloydminster RCMP led a week-long crime reduction initiative in the summer targeting chronic offenders.
“There was traffic involvement. We had the helicopter in town. We had our Police Dog Service and the Crime Reduction Team. There were over 100 charges that came out of that,” notes Nicholl.
The RCMP detachment leader has been in places like Fort St. John, Kitimat, Prince George, Athabasca, and St. Paul and sees the posting to Lloydminster as the best move for him and his family in the seven times he has moved spanning over two provinces in a 21-year career.
He says the biggest challenge they are dealing with now is the unhoused. He sees it as a national social matter that turns into a policing issue.
“People are complaining that the unhoused are ruining the enjoyment of their lives and this turns into – a potentially criminal act. It becomes a challenge as not everybody needs to be dealt with by the police.”
Nicholl says that officers are in daily contact with the people on the streets. Not everyone goes to jail. Officers seek out ways to help the people who for whatever reason have no roof over their heads.
“Officers find out where they are from and if they can assist them with any interdiction ideas, whether it’s going through the Hub program or going to mental health and addictions. We are having these conversations every single day.”
Nicholl notes the police have a zero-tolerance on criminal offences. However, he poses the question that for someone dealing with addictions or a mental health crisis, “Is jail the right place for them?” He adds many community members would prefer that the root cause of the unhoused be addressed as opposed to having to give statements and going to court to testify.
In 2024, the detachment commander says he wants to be “transparent and in the forefront of policing of Lloydminster.” Nicholl says the police want to be part of the solution and maintain community involvement as several of the officers volunteer in the community for numerous activities including hockey and soccer.
Nicholl wishes everyone a fantastic holiday season and a great new year. He says, “Remember the police are out there, so please be responsible and drive accordingly. Find a sober, designated driver and enjoy the holidays in moderation,” concludes the detachment commander.
