Alberta RCMP jurisdictions saw a 6.9 per cent decrease in the Crime Severity Index across the province in 2024, with the crime score reaching its second-lowest level since 2015.

According to Statistics Canada’s police-reported crime statistics, 95 of the 147 RCMP jurisdictions in Alberta saw decreases in their Crime Severity Index from 2023 to 2024. The CSI tracks both volume and seriousness of police-reported crime, assigning higher weights to more serious offences.

Several larger communities saw significant decreases. Wetaskiwin experienced a 19.2 per cent decrease, Strathmore saw a 24.6 per cent drop, and Red Deer — the largest jurisdiction overseen by Alberta RCMP with a population of 112,917 — had a 19.7 per cent decrease.

Break and enters remain the top contributor to Alberta’s CSI score at 17.67 per cent, but decreased by 875 incidents compared to 2023. Two violent crime categories in the top 10 contributors also declined, with 653 fewer assaults and 273 fewer sexual assaults reported across the province.

“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.”

Daroux said reducing crime requires collaboration among public services, community partners and all levels of government, but the results show progress when working together.

Alberta RCMP uses CSI information to develop intelligence-led strategies targeting priority offenders who cause the most harm in vulnerable communities. The force has deployed Community Response Teams throughout rural Alberta and leveraged technologies like Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems to assist frontline operations.

The RCMP continue to look for new methods to reduce crime and keep Albertans safe.