The Edmonton Police Service recently held a news conference to discuss the decreasing crime rate in Alberta’s capital. The Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics reported an 11 percent decrease in crime in 2023 compared to the previous year, while the national crime rate in Canada went up by three percent. The EPS attributes the decrease in crime to targeted initiatives that were properly resourced and implemented with the help of EPS members and partners. Initiatives such as the Community Accelerator program and Safer Public Spaces have played a role in driving down overall crime rates in Edmonton.
Despite the overall decrease in crime, the violent crime severity index for Edmonton rose by four percent in the same time period. This increase is primarily driven by an increase in firearms and weapons-related crimes. The EPS acknowledges that violent crime remains a major concern in the city, and efforts need to be continued to address these issues. Dan Jones, chair of justice studies at NorQuest College, commended the EPS for providing data to support the effectiveness of their initiatives but emphasized the importance of digging deeper into the data to understand the impact of these programs.
In addition to the rise in violent crime, the reporting of fraud in Edmonton also increased by 7.7 percent in 2023. This trend is not unique to Edmonton but is seen across the country, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Insp. Tim Horon stressed the importance of educating citizens on the methods used by fraudsters and the significant impact that fraud has on the community. The EPS works with partners in the tech sector to stay ahead of new fraud techniques. Extortion also became a growing concern for the EPS in 2023, particularly as a result of the Gaslight project investigating threats against area homebuilders.
There is a recognition that not all crimes are reported to the police. Anderson pointed out that only 38 percent of sexual assaults are reported, emphasizing the importance of encouraging victims to come forward. Jones noted that apathy towards reporting crimes may be on the rise, as some individuals may not see the benefit or may grow comfortable with disorder. He believes that increased reliance on digital tools for human connection may contribute to this apathy. It is important for law enforcement agencies to address these issues and work with the community to create safer environments for all residents.
The EPS continues to focus on implementing targeted initiatives and working with partners to address ongoing crime challenges in Edmonton. While there has been progress in reducing overall crime rates, there is still work to be done in combating violent crime and addressing issues such as fraud and extortion. Educating the community about crime prevention and encouraging reporting of criminal activities are essential steps in creating a safer and more secure environment for all residents. By analyzing data and working collaboratively with the community, law enforcement agencies can make significant strides in reducing crime rates and improving public safety.
