Reductions in assaults, sexual assaults and break‑ins drive province‑wide decline
EDMONTON — Alberta RCMP jurisdictions saw a 6.9 per cent decrease in the Crime Severity Index in 2024, according to new Statistics Canada data. The index, which measures the volume and seriousness of police‑reported crime, is now at its second‑lowest level since 2015.
Ninety‑five of the 147 RCMP jurisdictions in Alberta reported a year‑over‑year decline. Larger communities saw notable drops, including Red Deer with a 19.7 per cent decrease, Wetaskiwin with 19.2 per cent and Strathmore with 24.6 per cent. RCMP officials said the results reflect a province‑wide effort to prevent and reduce crime.
“We are extremely pleased to see crime scores declining across the province,” said Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux, commanding officer of the Alberta RCMP. “This trend reflects the shared efforts of Alberta RCMP officers, the communities we serve, and our dedicated partner agencies. Reducing crime isn’t the work of one group. It demands collaboration among public services, community partners, and all levels of government.”
Break‑ins remain the top contributor to Alberta’s crime score at 17.7 per cent, but reports were down by 875 cases compared to 2023. Assaults and sexual assaults also fell, with 653 fewer assaults and 273 fewer sexual assaults reported. RCMP officials noted that declines in violent crimes represent not only a statistical improvement but also a meaningful benefit to the health and safety of communities.
The RCMP says the Crime Severity Index helps guide intelligence‑led policing, including targeted enforcement and crime‑reduction teams. Over the past year, Alberta RCMP has expanded its Real Time Operations Centre, deployed community response teams in rural areas and used drones to assist frontline officers. The force says it remains committed to working with local partners to address the root causes of crime and strengthen community safety.
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