Duncan RCMP explains high Crime Severity Index context

Crime Severity Index RCMP Duncan crime statistics mobile crisis response team community safety

During a quarterly report to the council on August 24, Staff Sgt. Ken Beard of the RCMP addressed concerns regarding Duncan’s high Crime Severity Index (CSI). Beard argued that the statistics can be misleading for a community of approximately 5,700 people, as a small number of serious offences can disproportionately inflate the score.

Duncan’s 2025 CSI was reported at 336, whereas the broader North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP service area recorded a score of 140. Historical data shows Duncan's CSI was 192 in 2021, rose to 471 in 2023, and has since fluctuated. Specific serious incidents in 2025 included three aggravated assaults, two kidnappings, and six robberies.

While acknowledging that homelessness, addiction, and mental health issues remain significant challenges in the area, Beard noted that a mobile crisis response team, involving a crisis nurse from Island Health, is expected to launch in the coming weeks to assist with mental health-related service calls.

Entities

Duncan · Island Health · Ken Beard · North Cowichan · RCMP

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Duncan's CSI was 192 in 2021, 471 in 2023, 345 in 2024, and 336 in 2025. ladysmithchronicle.com · todayinbc.com · saanichnews.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The City of Duncan's 2025 CSI was 336, while the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP service area CSI was 140. ladysmithchronicle.com · todayinbc.com · saanichnews.com
[● 3 SOURCES] In 2025, serious offences included three aggravated assaults, two kidnappings, and six robberies. ladysmithchronicle.com · todayinbc.com · saanichnews.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Police and the health authority are preparing to launch a mobile crisis response team to address mental health calls. ladysmithchronicle.com · todayinbc.com · saanichnews.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Staff Sgt. Ken Beard stated that Duncan's Crime Severity Index (CSI) can be misleading due to the small population size. ladysmithchronicle.com · todayinbc.com · saanichnews.com

Sources

Duncan's crime numbers need context, RCMP tells council - Ladysmith Chronicle [ladysmithchronicle.com]

16 days ago

Duncan's crime numbers need context, RCMP tells council [todayinbc.com]

16 days ago

Duncan's crime numbers need context, RCMP tells council - Port Alberni Valley News [albernivalleynews.com]

16 days ago

Duncan's crime numbers need context, RCMP tells council - Nanaimo News Bulletin [nanaimobulletin.com]

16 days ago

Duncan's crime numbers need context, RCMP tells council [oakbaynews.com]

16 days ago

Duncan's crime numbers need context, RCMP tells council [saanichnews.com]

16 days ago