RCMP Superintendent Kevin Hewco told directors that even though the number of criminal charges are down in the last quarter ending September 30th – the calls for service remain about the same.

In Osoyoos – calls for service declined 6% and in Oliver they increased by 2%. – Criminal Code offences down 29% in Osoyoos and up 32% in Oliver.

In Oliver – Large increase in Break and Enters and shop lifting. 329 offences vs 250 in the previous quarter of 2014. (From 282 to 199)

In Osoyoos – Notable increase in thefts of vehicles, causing a disturbance and business b & e’s.

When you look at the stats – Osoyoos never mirrors Oliver – just the opposite. When a particular category is down in Oliver – it is up in Osoyoos and visa/versa.

Hewco supervises the police in the RDOS from Princeton to Osoyoos to Summerland. Each detachment has a separate area commander.

He says police staffing issues (people moving and being promoted) has had some effect on resources, a homicide in Penticton stopped much regular GIS/Drug work as well. He expects the Regional Correctional facility in Oliver to increase demands. Hewco says RCMP in Kamloops look after 2500 files a year because of the jail there.