Okotoks remains one of the safest communities in Alberta, according to recently released crime stats.
Statistics Canada's Crime Severity Index (CSI) tracks what crimes are reported to police across the country. The CSI not only measures the volume of crime but also the seriousness of those offences.
For 2023, Okotoks was ranked as one of the safest places in Alberta with a CSI of 41.03, nearly identical to its score the year before.
RCMP S/Sgt. Mike Zinck said Okotoks has less crime than many other communities in the province.
“Things are just on a smaller scale here, because in Okotoks, our crime rates are lower,” Zinck said.
Chestermere (40.28) is the only community with a population over 20,000 that recorded a lower CSI. Airdrie (46.63), north of Calgary, came in slightly higher, but still far below the province-wide index (103).
Zinck came to the Okotoks detachment as its commanding officer earlier this year and said collaboration between police, municipal enforcement and the community likely impacts the numbers.
RCMP Sgt. John Klassen said traffic enforcement, police visibility and property crime are areas of focus and officers are patrolling on foot and on bikes to increase visibility.
“If people see us in the in the community, criminals will stay away from that area,” Klassen said.
Zinck said another factor is that the detachment doesn’t struggle to attract or retain police officers.
“We're very fortunate that we're able to staff to adequate levels here in Okotoks, which allows us then to appropriately implement these strategies,” he said.
The CSI includes all Criminal Code violations including traffic infractions. Police-reported stats can be affected if municipalities use bylaws to deal with some minor offences, StatCan said.
