Kelowna posted Nov 28, 2024 @ 01:45pm by Josh Duncan

Kelowna RCMP to up night patrols in response to ongoing youth violence

You can expect to see more Kelowna RCMP officers patrolling a few hot spots once the sun goes down on weekends over the coming months.

The detachment says that its Community Safety Unit has deployed additional officers and increased evening patrols on weekends in response to “violent occurrences involving youth” in recent weeks.

“We heard the community’s concerns and concentrated our patrols in parks and public spaces focusing on downtown City Park, Centennial Park, Gyro Beach and Ben Lee Park,” said Sgt. Scott Powrie.

<who>Photo Credit: Kelowna RCMP

According to Powrie, officers recently conducted more than 30 youth probation compliance checks and a dozen breach of probation investigations were opened as a result.

“RCMP Youth Support Officers collaborate with Youth Justice Services to recommend charges to BC Prosecution Service on these matters,” he explained.

An RCMP release noted that the detachment will continue to work with the City of Kelowna, and partner agencies, to address criminal activity, safety and youth matters.

Proactive patrols and engagement are expected to continue indefinitely.

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