Council, RCMP discuss drug use, public safety concerns in Melfort

Police did not respond immediately but later investigated the incident. Youth suspects were charged with mischief in connection with the graffiti, though officers were unable to gather sufficient evidence to support drug possession charges.

Fettis told Case that incidents like the one at the Palace can be intimidating for young employees. Case agreed, noting that police officers can sometimes become desensitized to situations that are unsettling for members of the public.

Case said the detachment has seen an increase in reports involving suspected drug use and other undesirable behaviour in public spaces.

“It is common for the detachment to receive calls from people about individuals actively using drugs in these areas, but it is more common that they are not using drugs,” he said. “Approximately 20 per cent of these calls involve drugs in some fashion.”

Council members also asked about the enforcement of simple drug possession offences. Case explained that federal prosecution policies mean such cases are generally not pursued unless specific and uncommon circumstances exist.

“This direction has been received from the Federal Department of Justice, which is responsible for prosecuting drug-related cases,” he said.

The discussion also turned to trespassing enforcement. While Saskatchewan’s Trespass to Property Act can be used in some situations, Case said there are legal requirements property owners must follow before enforcement action can be taken.

“It can also be difficult to enforce since property owned by the City of Melfort is designed for public use and access,” he said.

Violations under the act are typically handled through ticketing, similar to traffic offences.

Council members further asked about ongoing concerns related to nuisance behaviour involving some members of the city’s unhoused population.

“This is a very complicated issue and there are no easy answers,” Case said.

He stressed that homelessness is a broader community challenge that cannot be solved by police alone.

“Ultimately, it is up to community members and elected officials to decide what type of community Melfort wants to be now and in the future,” he said.

Case added that residents also have a role to play in supporting one another and improving the community.

“If policing and enforcement is the answer to the problem, then we need more resources at the detachment,” he said. “We are stretched thin to begin with and if we are expected to take on more, our core policing duties will suffer.”

The staffing shortage remains a significant challenge for the Melfort RCMP detachment, which is currently operating at about 75 per cent of its full complement. Case said supervisors must balance minimum staffing requirements with vacation schedules and training commitments.

To help address community concerns, Case suggested council consider establishing a Community Safety Officer (CSO) position. CSOs are provincially appointed peace officers employed by municipalities who can enforce bylaws and certain provincial statutes, including traffic regulations.

“A CSO could benefit this community because it would be a beefed-up bylaw program with added authorities,” Case said. “They would also provide a consistent presence in the community and help promote a sense of security and well-being for residents.”

Case also responded to criticism on social media suggesting that reporting incidents to police is pointless because officers will not attend.

“Simply put, if we don’t know about something that we may need to become involved with, we cannot make a positive effect,” he said. “If we are called about something, there is at least a small chance that we can do something about it. If we are not called about it, there is a 100 per cent chance that we cannot do anything about it.”

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Council, RCMP discuss drug use, public safety concerns in Melfort

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