During the period of February 1 to February 7, 2026, Nelson Police Department officers responded to approximately 159 calls for service across the city while continuing proactive patrols and enforcement.
Call types included abandoned 911 calls, false alarms, disturbances, suspicious occurrences, unwanted persons, thefts, mischief, traffic incidents, and property-related files. Officers also conducted numerous wellbeing checks and assisted members of the public and partner agencies. Investigations were initiated into assaults, break and enters, drug-related occurrences, harassment, and other Criminal Code matters. One overdose and a mental health-related incident were also reported during the period.
Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement Program (C-STEP)
The funding for this initiative was provided by the Government of British Columbia’s Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement Program (C-STEP).
Project Footloose was completed last week as part of C-STEP. Officers conducted an additional 96 hours of focused foot patrols in the downtown core.
During the project, officers:
- Arrested one female on an outstanding warrant
- Issued one Motor Vehicle Act violation ticket
- Issued three Liquor Control and Licensing Act violation tickets
- Issued seven Liquor Control and Licensing Act warnings
- Assisted with calls for service including an overdose, Mental Health Act incident, wellbeing checks, assaults, mischief, and protest-related incidents
- Collaborated with community partners including Nelson Mental Health, ANKORS, Stepping Stones, Salvation Army, and Victim Services
Community Feedback
An informal questionnaire was conducted with 43 downtown businesses regarding increased foot patrol presence.
- 37 businesses reported increased foot patrols are beneficial
- 3 businesses reported they are not beneficial
- 3 businesses were unsure
- 11 businesses noticed an increase in police presence
- 15 businesses reported a decrease in street disorder in recent months
- 4 businesses reported an increase in street disorder
- 3 businesses reported no change
- 7 businesses reported police were responsive and helpful when assistance was required
Nelson Police Department will continue proactive patrols and community engagement initiatives to support safety in the downtown core.
CONTACT:
Nelson Police Department
(250) 354-3919