Iqaluit crime figures show major decline in 2011

Crime in Iqaluit is down for the first two months of 2011, according to RCMP figures released March 8 at a meeting of the Iqaluit city council.

Total calls for service to the Iqaluit detachment dropped more than 20 per cent in January and February, while the total number of prisoners taken into custody declined more than 40 per cent.

Traffic offences dropped from 66 to 37, police actions under various territorial laws like the Liquor Act and the Mental Health Act declined from 195 to 80. Crimes against persons dropped from 226 to 153 and property crimes dropped from 433 to 341.

“All our stats are down, which is positive,” said RCMP Staff Sgt. Roger Tournier.

Coun. Joanaie Akumalik praised police efforts but asked why police stats weren’t broken down to identify how many calls were alcohol related.

“It’s probably almost 100-per cent alcohol related,” Tournier replied.