After two homicides a day on Saturday, police in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan are concerned about the crime rate in the city.
Police Chief Jonathan Bergen has confirmed that Prince Albert is counting six homicides for the year 2022.
We know that violence has a lasting impact on our communityhe said at a press conference on Monday.
According to Mr. Bergen, the rate of violent crime has increased since 2019. In the same year, six homicides were recorded, while in 2020 there were eleven and ten in the following year.
Prince Albert police also said they were not always able to respond to calls due to a lack of staff.
Over the weekend, there were 439 calls for service and some police officers had to assist with the homicide investigation while off duty.
Two deaths a day
Two men were killed in separate incidents on Saturday in Prince Albert.
The first, 32, was killed after the shooting while the second, 47, succumbed to his injuries after an altercation in 100 blocks of the street. West River.
Métis Nation Saskatchewan regional director Sherry McLennan personally knew the families of the two victims.
According to him, the crime rate in downtown Prince Albert has been ridiculous.
” What can we do to bring our city back? We have addictions, homelessness, mental health issues, and we don’t have adequate services. “
For their part, Prince Albert Police said they will continue to work with community groups to address issues of poverty, addiction and mental health.
There is information from David Shield
Source: Radio-Canada
