New Staff Sergeant wants community's help
Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services
Iqaluit (Feb 05/01) - A big increase in crime has Iqaluit's new top cop looking to the community for help.
Staff Sgt. Michael Jeffrey attributes the big jump in crime last year to the town's increasing population.
| Background
Crime stats 2000 / 1999 in brackets
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In town for a month, he's looking to the community to play a role in set up some substantial, efficient crime prevention programs.
He's taking action after the number of crimes jumped by 930 last year over 1999. That included 86 more spousal assaults, 76 more break and enters, 89 more vehicle thefts and 410 more liquor infractions.
The numbers appear staggering, but Jeffrey said a lot of it has to do with more accurate reporting of statistics.
That includes listing drug offenses not reported in the past. He said that would happen when an individual was arrested on a different charge. There are 56 more reported drug offenses in 2000 than in 1999.
The number of people arrested and put behind bars has also increased.
We're the busiest detachment in the North," Jeffrey said.
"But as a police force in Iqaluit, we can apprehend them and bring them before justice, but we need the community to help."
Topping his list of priorities is implementing community justice, more substance abuse programs, domestic violence services, and cracking down on drug trafficking and alcohol bootlegging with the community's help in reporting it.
He also said he will be watching violence in general and impaired driving, snowmobile issues and motor vehicle infractions.
The detachment has added five new officers. He plans to meet with council Feb. 23 to discuss prevention strategies.
What's being done
- A drug sniffing dog, a Labrador named Max, was brought in from six months ago to help stop drug trading in Iqaluit.
- Marijuana and hash are the main drugs used in the community. Ecstasy, heroin and cocaine have also been reported.
- Although an increase in many violent crimes was reported last year, there was a decrease in crimes such as assault and sexual assault.
- The municipality has set aside funds for social issues such as hiring a youth co-ordinator, backing the building of a youth centre and implementing a $100,000 homeless strategy.
