Public safety investments made by the B.C. government in 2025 resulted in hundreds of criminal charges laid and the seizure of hundreds of illegal weapons, drugs and stolen property throughout B.C., the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General reported in a media release.

“Police in our province play a vital role in keeping our communities safe, and we are dedicated to ensuring they have the support and resources they need to continue doing their job effectively,” said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Last year was a strong year for public safety investments that helped police address repeat violent offending and target street disorder and retail theft in our downtown communities.”

Introduced in 2023, the Special Investigation and Targeted Enforcement (SITE) program was launched to provide operational funding for police departments to enhance proactive enforcement and investigative techniques to address repeat violent offending and disrupt the cycle of crime.

Introduced in 2025, the Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement (CSTEP) program boosts police efforts to tackle street disorder and retail theft affecting businesses and downtown communities, the media release stated.

SITE operations have continued to deliver significant public safety outcomes by targeting and holding accountable a high volume of repeat offenders, reducing public exposure to violent crime and disrupting cycles of violence.

Since its launch, SITE has supported 175 police operations in 47 communities throughout British Columbia, resulting in 6,213 investigations into individuals, 219 of whom were supported by the Repeat Violent Offending Intervention Initiative.

CSTEP projects leverage and strengthen collaboration with local business communities, receiving positive feedback from business associations. The initiative has incorporated enhanced partnerships with social services and community partners to better facilitate upstream solutions to support vulnerable individuals.

Since its launch in May 2025, the program has supported 40 police operations in 26 communities throughout B.C. Early results demonstrate strong operational outcomes, with CSTEP initiatives facilitating 336 investigations into individuals, resulting in 43 charges laid and the recovery of substantial merchandise stolen from businesses and cash as proceeds of crime.

A notable example of a project delivering tangible results in 2025 include Cranbrook RCMP’s enhanced community outreach funded through CSTEP.

One hundred and 97 police patrols of hotspots, and joint collaboration with city bylaw staff and a health outreach nurse through spring 2025 reduced violent and property crimes in the community by engaging with the vulnerable population and seizing weapons and drugs off the streets.

The city reported a significant decrease in overdose response calls, marking the first such improvement in several years, with the initiative resulting in 75 investigations and 29 charges recommended to Crown prosecutors.

The collaborative model of bringing together health care, social services, probation and a consistent police presence has made an impact in improving safety for community members and first responders, in addition to building trust with those who are at risk.

“CSTEP funding this past quarter enabled our teams to complete 197 hotspot patrols, support vulnerable community members, investigate priority files and make critical arrests that enhanced public safety,” said Sgt. Graham Hartl, operational support with Cranbrook RCMP.

“The continued investment strengthened crime prevention through expanded Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design assessments. As well, our local Cranbrook bylaw staff obtained additional training, ensuring we all have the tools to respond effectively to growing community demands.”

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