More proactive policing a goal for Nanaimo RCMP detachment

The overall number of files dropped three per cent, or around 1,300 files, last year compared to 2024.

Break and enters (120 files), shoplifting (111 files), and auto thefts (53 files) were all the main drivers behind the reductions, however mischief calls rose by 172 files, and thefts from vehicles increased by 86.

Rochette noted child sexual exploitation investigations increased 33 per cent year over year, with 15 more reports in 2025.

In addition to proactive policing, Rochette said they’ll continue to focus on execution of the Repeat Violent Offending Intervention Initiative (ReVOII) and increased road safety measures throughout Nanaimo.

Focusing on the downtown

Calls for service were disproportionately centred around the downtown Nanaimo area, with 19 per cent of all violent crime calls and 44 per cent of weapons offences.

“We’re concerned about weapons offences,” Rochette said. “Almost half of our calls for service are within the downtown area, so we try to really focus, especially with specialty teams [such as] the Specialized Integrated Targeted Enforcement (SITE), which spends a lot of time downtown with the bike unit, trying to make sure that everybody’s safe.”

Provincial and federal funding has helped those efforts, specifically targeting shoplifters at Port Place Shopping Centre, as well as in Nanaimo’s north end during the holiday shopping season.

Rochette said a large number of calls for service, regardless of the reason, have a connection to mental health challenges and potentially addiction.

A Mental Health Liaison Officer program, dubbed Car 54, is expanding June 1 with the hiring of a second dedicated officer to work with three Island Health nurses seven days a week.

The program is available to attend calls as needed, but has had real success in helping individuals with repeating challenges.

“I have one in mind, and in the last two weeks we’ve dealt with them every single day,” Rochette told councillors. “As the connections with Island Health work on solutions and helping those individuals to get better, and as well, for us selfishly, to reduce the calls for service in relation to that one individual.”

Roughly seven per cent of all calls for service are specifically for mental health reasons, while Rochette estimated around one in four calls had a direct mental health or addiction component.

Rochette also said their restorative justice program is proving extremely popular, where and when appropriate.

He said it not only reduces the burden of officers but also often leaves victims more satisfied with a resolution when compared to a court verdict and sentence.

Youth files

Work is also poised to continue in schools, and an increased police presence is desired in the years ahead.

Rochette said their school liaison officers work in partnership with the District to ensure kids are on the right path, focusing in particular on students who don’t regularly attend, ensuring “they don’t have to deal with the police on a regular basis.”

A small group of youth, however, is taking up a large portion of police resources.

“Obviously, it is an issue in Nanaimo in relation to a certain core group of youth that we’ve been having issues with. We’ve had a lot of enforcement actions, but we try to do more than just enforcement. We want to work with our partners, especially the Ministry of Children and Family Development, as well as the restorative justice program, just trying to find solutions.”

Cyberbullying and sextortion are also topics raised in school presentations by officers.

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by Alex Rawnsley

More proactive policing a goal for Nanaimo RCMP detachment

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