“Since this council was elected, public safety has been our number one priority. While we are encouraged by the fact that Penticton’s Crime Severity Index (CSI) has dropped year over year since 2021, there is more work to do — which is why it remains our top priority.
The CSI is just one measure of progress, but Penticton RCMP’s first-quarter data provides a timelier and more fulsome picture:
- Calls for service are down 14 per cent
- The total property crime rate is down 27 per cent
- Reports of auto theft were 69 per cent below the five-year average
We are also optimistic that Q2 results — to be released at the Aug. 19 council meeting — will continue to reflect this trend.
Public safety remains the City’s largest investment, representing 40 per cent of our annual operating budget. This investment has supported several key initiatives over the past year, including:
- Creation of a new Public Safety and Partnerships Division: Under the direction of the general manager, this department has been the catalyst for increased collaboration between community partners such as 100 More Homes, RCMP and Fire, the business community, and provincial partners to enhance community safety and social development initiatives.
- Launch of the Integrated Crisis Response Team: This initiative, which pairs RCMP officers with three Interior Health-funded nurses, has responded to more than 1,300 service calls, significantly improving our crisis response capacity.
- Creation of the Property Standards Compliance Team and Public Safety Committee: These groups have developed recommendations focused on enhancing safety for residents, businesses and neighbourhoods across Penticton.
- Increased Enforcement Presence: Since 2021, we have added nine RCMP officers, eight bylaw officers and seven fire personnel to strengthen our front-line response. Our officers routinely conduct joint patrols alongside our social partners.
- Expansion of the Downtown Camera Program: In partnership with the Downtown Penticton Business Improvement Association and the Chamber of Commerce, this initiative targets high-call areas to improve surveillance and deter crime.
- Ongoing Development of the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan: Once complete, this plan will guide our efforts to improve outcomes for all residents.
- Establishment of a Temporary Winter Shelter: Opened in November 2024 and extended into the summer months, this 24/7 shelter provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals in need, offering access to health services and referrals to essential support programs. This initiative reflects a compassionate, community-based response to vulnerability and supports the daily efforts of our enforcement agencies.
We understand and share the concerns of residents and businesses regarding safety. Council remains steadfast in its commitment to working with the RCMP and community partners to address crime and enhance safety across Penticton.”
Click here for link to Crime Severity Index.
Click here for link to RCMP Q1 2025 Update