Halton has maintained its position as the Canadian municipality with a population of 100,000 or more with the lowest Crime Severity Index (CSI), according to the latest data from Statistics Canada.
The new information revealed this week also shows that Halton Regional Police achieved the highest Weighted Clearance Rate (WCR) at 48.70 per cent in comparison to Ontario's 'Big 12' police services. The WCR is the proportion of reported crimes solved by police, factoring in the seriousness of individual offences.
“As chief of police, I am so proud of the tremendous work that our 1,000-plus members do each and every day to protect and serve the Halton community. Annually, Statistics Canada’s national crime data affirms the positive impact of this work,” said Halton Police Chief Stephen Tanner.
“I would also like to thank our residents who work hand-in-hand with our police service, assisting in the solving of crimes and placing community safety as a top priority. These combined efforts continue to make Halton region an enviable place to work, live and play.”
Statistics Canada’s annual report on crime in Canada also shows that when compared to Ontario’s ‘Big 12’ police services, Halton had:
- The lowest Crime Severity Index (24 years in a row) - The CSI tracks changes in the severity of police-reported crime from year to year
- The lowest violent CSI (24 years in a row)
- The lowest non-violent CSI (24 years in a row)
- The highest value WCR (eight years in a row)
- The highest value violent WCR (four years in a row)
- The highest value non-violent WCR (eight years in a row).
“These results clearly illustrate the alignment and global effectiveness and efficiency of our dedicated officers and civilian staff," said Halton Police Board Chair Jeff Knoll. “Working together, we will continue to ensure Halton Region remains the safest large community in the nation.”
