Saskatchewan RCMP officers were kept busy during this year’s Country Thunder festival, responding to a total of 147 calls for service.
Among the incidents reported, officers took 33 individuals into custody and laid six Criminal Code charges. The calls for service encompassed a variety of issues, reflecting the challenges of managing a large-scale event:
- 27 liquor-related offences under the Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act, including public intoxication.
- 24 reports of disturbing the peace, addressing noise complaints and public disturbances.
- 15 instances of assisting the general public, often involving medical emergencies until EMS arrived.
- 10 reports of mischief, involving vandalism or property damage.
- 5 reports of theft from festival-goers.
- 4 reports of sexual assault, highlighting serious incidents requiring immediate police response.
- 3 reports of assault between individuals.
- 2 reports of uttering threats, involving verbal threats of violence.
- 1 report of a missing person, who was subsequently located.
- 1 traffic collision with no injuries reported.
Over the weekend, Saskatchewan RCMP, in collaboration with SGI, conducted a targeted traffic safety initiative. This initiative aimed to curb impaired driving, resulting in 38 roadside driver’s license suspensions due to alcohol or drug impairment. Three individuals are also facing criminal charges as a result of this enforcement action.
Reflecting on the event, Supt. Tyler Bates of the Saskatchewan RCMP South District : “Each year as thousands of people gather to enjoy Country Thunder Saskatchewan, our officers come from across the province to help keep those in attendance and the surrounding communities as safe as possible during the event,” says Bates.
“Planning is a critical part of ensuring public safety. I am proud of the work and collaboration our officers demonstrated leading up to and during Country Thunder Saskatchewan to ensure that calls for service were answered and road safety was upheld.”
Country Thunder draws thousands of attendees each year, breaking the one millionth fan mark this year.
