2020 Annual Report
Comparing Crime Statistics
Crime statistics in this report should not be compared to statistics from previous Annual Statistical Reports due to changes in counting rules.
It is also not recommended that the crime statistics in this report be compared to crime statistics prepared by other agencies due to the fact that different methods of categorization, geographic, technical data, and time constraints may affect the outcome.
Although comparing exact numbers is not recommended, the general trends and magnitude of change should be similar regardless of the counting method.
Detailed information pertaining to Statistics Canada crime reporting methodology can be found in the Uniform Crime Reporting Survey documents posted on Statistics Canada website.
Legend
Colour Breakdown for Statistics
2018 Statistics
2019 Statistics
2020 Statistics
Acronyms
CCC = Criminal Code of Canada
ADLS = Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension
YCJA = Youth Criminal Justice Act
R.I.D.E. = Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere
Message from the Chair
Sault Ste. Marie Police Services Board
On behalf of the Police Services Board, I am pleased to present the 2020 Sault Ste. Marie Police Service Annual Report.
As a Board, we understand the immense role the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service plays in public safety. We embrace our responsibility to the community and remain committed to “Ensuring Community Safety Through Enforcement, Education and Partnerships.”
The COVID-19 global health crisis has intensified many of the underlying socioeconomic and mental health challenges our sworn and civilian members handle on a daily basis. We are proud of the work they do in the community in order to address these challenges and root causes of much of the criminal activity we experience in our community. Finding solutions is not solely a policing function and we remain persistent in our work with community partners to improve access to care and services for everyone.
Enriching public trust remains a priority for all with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service. We acknowledge the necessity of being as transparent as possible in order to remain accountable to the people of Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township. We are committed to being a transparent Police Service. The 2020 Annual Report is a thorough statistical breakdown of the Service’s operations in Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township.
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Services Board would like to thank Chief Stevenson, Deputy Chief MacLachlan and Senior Command, along with our sworn and civilian employees, for continuing to serve with compassion, professionalism, dedication and courage. We are proud of the Service you provide each and every day.
Message from the Chief
Chief Hugh Stevenson, M.O.M., Ed.D
On behalf of all members of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, and under the direction of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Services Board, I present the 2020 Annual Report.
The year 2020 was a challenging year for everyone as the COVID-19 pandemic dominated much of our daily lives. For our members the pandemic created health and safety, staffing, disinfectant, financial and new enforcement challenges.
We are proud of our response during the pandemic. We increased health and safety measures, such as personal protective equipment, virtual meetings and allowing staff to work from home when able. These methods have kept our members and the community we serve safe.
Our commitment to dynamic partnerships with community agencies and members remains intact. Members have adapted to the changing landscape created by the pandemic to utilize alternate methods to connect with community stakeholders in Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township. We are optimistic a time will come soon when we can all meet in person safely to continue much of the work we have started.
The 2020 Annual Report offers a transparent look at our operations throughout the year. You will see a spotlight on certain areas of the Service, including Investigation Services as 2020 produced the single largest seizure of illicit drugs in the history of Sault Ste. Marie Police. We remain committed to our goal of improving the quality of life for all of the people we serve.
Mission
To protect and enhance the quality of life in the City of Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township through dynamic partnerships with community members and agencies.
Vision
Ensuring Public Safety Through Enforcement, Education & Partnerships
Values
Organizational Structure
Board Members
2020 Board Members
John Bruno
Chair - Provincial Appointee
Lisa Vezeau-Allen
Vice-Chair - Municipal Appointee
Christian Provenzano
Municipal Appointee
Ian MacKenzie
Provincial Appointee
Rick Webb
Community Representative
Sarah Miles
Board Administrator
The below numbers represent our Top 10 calls for service where the violation (criminal or non-criminal) is the most serious in a single occurrence.
Calls For Service 2020
Calls For Service 2019
Calls For Service 2018
Includes: Calls for Service, Proactive Initiatives and Administrative Occurrences
Total Incidents
Prince Township – Top Five Calls 2020
Prince Township – Top Five Calls 2019
Prince Township – Top Five Calls 2018
Other includes: Dangerous conditions, Mental Health Act, Focused Patrol, Person Welfare Checks, Suspicious Persons, 911 Call/911 Hang-Up, Attempt/Threat of Suicide, Phone Calls, Family Disputes, Trespass to Property Act, Landlord/Tenant Problem, Ambulance Assist
Other Criminal Code includes: Adduction, Arson, Attempt Murder, Bail Violations, Breach of Probation, Child Pornography, Disturb the Peace, Fraud, Harassment, Homicide, Impaired Operation, Kidnapping, Luring, Indecent Acts, Mischief, Public Morals, Sexual Assault, Threats, Obstruct Police Officer
Other includes: Dangerous conditions, Mental Health Act, Focused Patrol, Person Welfare Checks, Suspicious Persons, 911 Call/911 Hang-Up, Attempt/Threat of Suicide, Phone Calls, Family Disputes, Trespass to Property Act, Landlord/Tenant Problem, Ambulance Assist
Other Criminal Code includes: Adduction, Arson, Attempt Murder, Bail Violations, Breach of Probation, Child Pornography, Disturb the Peace, Fraud, Harassment, Homicide, Impaired Operation, Kidnapping, Luring, Indecent Acts, Mischief, Public Morals, Sexual Assault, Threats, Obstruct Police Officer
Other includes: Dangerous conditions, Mental Health Act, Focused Patrol, Person Welfare Checks, Suspicious Persons, 911 Call/911 Hang-Up, Attempt/Threat of Suicide, Phone Calls, Family Disputes, Trespass to Property Act, Landlord/Tenant Problem, Ambulance Assist
Other Criminal Code includes: Adduction, Arson, Attempt Murder, Bail Violations, Breach of Probation, Child Pornography, Disturb the Peace, Fraud, Harassment, Homicide, Impaired Operation, Kidnapping, Luring, Indecent Acts, Mischief, Public Morals, Sexual Assault, Threats, Obstruct Police Officer
Fast Facts
2020
$728,413
Integrated Municipal Enforcement Team (IMET)
June 2020 - Sept. 2020
On Aug. 12, 2020, officers with the Crime Suppression Unit and the Drug Enforcement Unit made the largest seizure of narcotics in the history of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.
In total, 459.98 grams of fentanyl, 15.56 grams of heroin, 332.84 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 5.12 grams of crack cocaine, 4.24 grams of cocaine, 103 oxycodone pills and $18,070 of Canadian currency was seized. The estimated street value of the narcotics seized is $289,638. A vehicle with an estimated value of $12,000 was also seized.
Value of Drugs Seized
2018
$342,784
2019
$171,660
2020
$728,413
During the first wave of COVID-19 we launched Project Atom to enforce provincial regulations and protect area businesses which were closed due to a provincial lockdown. In addition to ensuring lockdown conditions were being followed, there was an emphasis on confirming release conditions of individuals with pending criminal charges before the courts were followed. Project Atom was in operation from April 20 – June 4, 2020.
COVID-19
| Tesla | Nissan | Toyota | Honda | Mazda | Ford | |
| 2017 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2018 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2019 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
Project Atom
| Tesla | Nissan | Toyota | Honda | Mazda | Ford | |
| 2017 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2018 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2019 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| Tesla | Nissan | Toyota | Honda | Mazda | Ford | |
| 2017 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2018 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2019 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
*The percentages of the calls that the Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team (MCRRT) took are for reportable Mental Health Act and Person Well-Being Check occurrences only.
In 2018, Canine Officer Cst. Dan Turco was away training the new Police Service Dog (PSD), Hektor. In 2019 and 2020, PSD Justice and PSD Hektor were used for calls.
In 2020, Sault Police along with Sault Fire Services, City of Sault Ste. Marie Building and By-Law, the housing commission and other partners formed the Integrated Municipal Enforcement Team (IMET).
This enforcement oriented team brings together all agencies with enforcement mandates, with the support of other partner agencies, to develop action plans in order to address a variety of community issues and concerns.
One of the duties of IMET will be to locate neglected properties and buildings in disrepair that are unsafe for tenants and community members.
Our new Community Safety Officers play a vital role with IMET as well as educating community members of crime prevention methods.
The IMET also attended six additional properties to assist City By-law Enforcement Officers in the cleanup of derelict properties around the city.
| Tesla | Nissan | Toyota | Honda | Mazda | Ford | |
| 2017 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2018 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2019 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
The launch of our new website allowed us to increase our capacity to answer calls for service via Online Reporting. Allowing community members to report specific crimes online, such as theft of property, allows frontline officers to respond to more serious calls in a more timely manner. Online Reporting expands our ability to more efficiently respond to calls for service, and we look forward to expanding the number of crimes community members can report online in 2021. The new Online Reporting feature went live on June 26, 2020.
| Tesla | Nissan | Toyota | Honda | Mazda | Ford | |
| 2017 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2018 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2019 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
Our service launched its Online Reporting System in May 2020. Several types of reports can be filed online, including lost property, theft, and mischief to name a few. Bicycle registration can also be done online.
*The option to report break and enter occurrences online did not become available until August 2020. These break and enters only include detached garages, sheds, and outbuildings - break and enters to residences and businesses are not eligible for online reporting at this time.
June 2020 - September 2020
Hit and Run Accidents
R.I.D.E. Program
*Due to Legislative ammendments, reporting structures have changed.
Driving Offences
The total number of Use of Force Reports does not equal the total number of occurrences where force was used.
Public Complaints
| Tesla | Nissan | Toyota | Honda | Mazda | Ford | |
| 2017 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2018 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2019 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
Results of Complaints
| Tesla | Nissan | Toyota | Honda | Mazda | Ford | |
| 2017 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2018 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2019 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
In January 2020 we launched a new website, saultpolice.ca. The rebranded site was a much needed overhaul for our online presence. Our main site, along with our social media platforms, @SaultPolice on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, allows us to connect with our community in a more immediate and personal way.
| Tesla | Nissan | Toyota | Honda | Mazda | Ford | |
| 2017 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2018 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2019 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
Increase in Overall Page Likes
Jan 1, 2020 7,090 likes – December 31, 2020 9,112 likes = +2,022 likes
Most Popular Post
August 13, 2020 – Largest Drug Seizure in Service History
258.7 thousand people reached
81.9 thousand post clicks
15.2 thousand reactions, comments and/or shares
"On Wednesday, August 12, 2020 officers with the Crime Suppression Unit and the Drug Enforcement Unit made the largest drug seizure in the history of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.
The seizure includes 459.98 grams of Fentanyl, 15.56 grams of Heroin, 332.84 grams of Crystal Methamphetamine, 5.12 grams of Crack Cocaine, 4.24 grams of Cocaine, 103 oxycodone pills and $18,070 of Canadian currency. The total estimated street value of the narcotics seized of $289,638, the largest seizure by the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.
Chief Hugh Stevenson says “I want to put this seizure into perspective, specifically with regards to the Fentanyl seized. Fentanyl users, often use it in points. There are 10 points in a gram. So with this seizure of more than 459 grams of Fentanyl, our officers have taken nearly 4,600 potentially deadly points of Fentanyl off the market. This is the type of work our officers are dedicated to, and investigations into the distribution of illegal narcotics will continue as we remain committed to stopping the flow of drugs to our family, friends, neighbours and loved ones.” He adds “Our investigators need to be commended for their excellent work in getting this poison off our streets.”
Top Three Most Viewed Posts
March 10, 2020 - Windows may be ice video - 807 views
March 26, 2020 - Security Camera Tips video - 730 views
April 9, 2020 - Watch Speed on Area Roads - 678 views
| Tesla | Nissan | Toyota | Honda | Mazda | Ford | |
| 2017 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2018 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2019 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
*An impression represents how far a tweet has gone. It is the number of times the tweet has appeared on a timeline as the tweet continues to be liked and shared.
| Tesla | Nissan | Toyota | Honda | Mazda | Ford | |
| 2017 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2018 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2019 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
New Hires
Promotions
Inspector
| Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
Staff Sergeant
| Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 2 |
Sergeant
| Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 4 |
Awards
30 Years Bar
| Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 4 |
20 Years Bar
| Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 4 |
25 Years City Service
| Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 8 |
25 Years Civilian
| Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| Tesla | Nissan | Toyota | Honda | Mazda | Ford | |
| 2017 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2018 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2019 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| Tesla | Nissan | Toyota | Honda | Mazda | Ford | |
| 2017 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2018 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2019 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
Crime Stats
The below numbers represent only the most serious criminal violation in a single occurrence.
Crimes of Violence
| Tesla | Nissan | Toyota | Honda | Mazda | Ford | |
| 2017 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2018 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2019 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
Crimes of Property
| Tesla | Nissan | Toyota | Honda | Mazda | Ford | |
| 2017 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2018 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2019 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
**Totals included in primary classification
Drugs
| Tesla | Nissan | Toyota | Honda | Mazda | Ford | |
| 2017 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2018 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2019 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
Total Crimes
| Tesla | Nissan | Toyota | Honda | Mazda | Ford | |
| 2017 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2018 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2019 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
Other Stats
The below numbers represent any occurrence where these non-criminal classifications have been captured. These classifications may not be the most serious violation on the occurrence, therefore, these may be included under one of the above criminal violations in our crime statistics.
| Tesla | Nissan | Toyota | Honda | Mazda | Ford | |
| 2017 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2018 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2019 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
*Portions may be contained in other Criminal Offences
Domestic Violence, Mental Health Act and Motor Vehicle Collisions not included in Total Crimes
Court Hours
| Tesla | Nissan | Toyota | Honda | Mazda | Ford | |
| 2017 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2018 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2019 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
Prisoner Transportation
| Tesla | Nissan | Toyota | Honda | Mazda | Ford | |
| 2017 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2018 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2019 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| Tesla | Nissan | Toyota | Honda | Mazda | Ford | |
| 2017 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2018 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 2019 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |