Spruce Grove council receives update on RCMP services

SPRUCE GROVE----- Spruce Grove council received an update from the Parkland RCMP detachment during this week's council meeting. The update was presented by officer Kevin McGillivray.

Statistics revealed that robberies in the city increased in the year 2025 compared to a lower number of cases in the previous years. 

"We've seen an increase in the use of pepper spray and that type of weapon. It's not always a firearm or a knife or anything like that, but we do see the odd one with pepper spray which certainly concerns us," said officer McGillivray, in regards to robberies.

It was also noted that property crimes in the city reduced last year with the exceptions of arson and mischief.

Officer McGillivray also talked about targeting prolific offenders.

"We continue to target our prolific offenders. We find that is the most efficient way of use of resources," said officer McGillivray. 

The detachment also welcomed two new officers last year and two more officers will join the detachment this year.

The presentation also included a success story which highlighted the RCMP's swift action. The incident had occurred on February 10th when police received a 911 call and arrested a man attempting to gain entry into a residence. The man was charged and already had his first court date.

The detachment also participated in Operation Cold Start in the first week of February to prevent vehicle thefts. 

"I'm happy to report that this year, we didn't find one vehicle that was left with the keys in it unlocked," said officer McGillivray, highlighting the success of the operation.

The detachment responded to a total of 9,638 calls for service last year, which is a slight decrease from 2024.