N.W.T. RCMP's new Project Guardian put to the test in violent weekend in Fort Smith

A new RCMP initiative designed to combat crime across the Northwest Territories' South Slave region was immediately put to the test, days after launching, after two violent incidents in Fort Smith Sunday.

Project Guardian, announced on July 18, connects RCMP officers from Fort Smith, Hay River, and Fort Resolution, allowing them to be deployed across the region to target illicit activities and enhance public safety in communities and on the highways.

It's already seen members called in from Hay River and Yellowknife to assist with serious investigations in Fort Smith.

At 4:30 a.m. Sunday, RCMP responded to a report of three masked individuals entering a home and threatening the occupant with machetes. At 6:33 a.m., another call came regarding a person being robbed at gunpoint, with cash and other goods taken.

Under Project Guardian's new framework, extra officers from Hay River arrived quickly, supported by specialized units from Yellowknife, including police dog services and an emergency response team.

"Criminals don't have boundaries, and therefore, the police can't either," said Sgt. James Lai, officer in charge of the RCMP's South District.

"For us to be able to react quickly and put resources where they're needed, that just makes policing more efficient and also makes sure that our communities are safe."

He said the project also supports officer well-being by easing pressure on smaller detachments and giving members backup when they need it.

The program is a response to concerns raised by local leaders about rising crime tied to drug trafficking, particularly along highways. In Fort Smith, growing concerns over drug-related violence have left many residents on edge, but they say the RCMP's swift response has not gone unnoticed.

"Normally, you don't see a lot of the policing during the day," said Michael Miltenberger, a resident of Fort Smith and former MLA for the Thebacha riding. "[Now] they're present, they're visible … they're on the hunt. They're looking for these bad guys."

Miltenburger said Fort Smith used to be the kind of place where people didn't lock their doors and everyone knew each other. Now, he said, people are more apprehensive, locking up at night and worrying about strangers coming into town as drug-related crime increases.

Mayor Dana Fergusson said she supports the new initiative. She said people involved in crime often move between Fort Smith, Hay River, and Fort Resolution, and sees this as an essential step toward better communication and teamwork between those communities.

Fergusson is encouraging residents to welcome the new officers patrolling their streets and highways. 

"Be kind if you do get pulled over, be kind when you see the new faces in town," she said. "We want them there, so make them feel welcome because they're there to help us," she said.

Project Guardian is modelled after similar efforts in northern Alberta. The RCMP said it will remain in place through the end of the year, at which point its effectiveness will be evaluated.

Sgt. Lai said that while it's still early, the response from Fort Smith residents has been overwhelmingly positive. He said officers on the ground have reported community members giving them thumbs-up, thanking them for their presence, and expressing appreciation for the increased patrols.

"To me, that is a metric of success and that community members and citizens are feeling safe," Lai said. 

He acknowledged that some residents may feel frustrated, believing police should act more quickly when they know where drug activity is happening. However, he said police must gather strong evidence to meet legal standards for search warrants and to secure a conviction. 

While no arrests have yet been made in Sunday's incidents, police say their investigations are active. Lai said that the recent crimes were targeted, not random, and encouraged residents to remain calm but vigilant.

He added that the RCMP are committed to keeping communities safe, but they can't do it alone. He urged residents to report suspicious activity, speak with officers, and use programs like Crime Stoppers that allows residents to make anonymous tips. 

"We need help," Lai said. "The police alone can't make the community safe. We need to work with community members, citizens, other community partners to really make Fort Smith a safe community."