The Ste. Anne Police Chief says his department has experienced a significant uptake in mental health-related calls since the COVID-19 crisis began in Manitoba.

Ste. Anne Police Chief Marc Robichaud“As a police department we often have our fingers on the pulse of what's going on just because it manifests itself,” states Marc Robichaud. “And we are certainly seeing an increase in both mental health and addictions based calls.”

Robichaud acknowledges that spending extended periods of time at home with little social interaction is emotionally taxing and says his police department wants to help.

“We’re tapped into a lot of other resources that can help,” he offers. “Sometimes people don’t know whom to get a hold of and in Ste. Anne, a lot of times, the police become that first point of contact.”

Robichaud acknowledges that his members themselves are not counsellors but says they do have a lot of tools at their disposal when it comes to aiding those in need.

While mental health-related calls are undoubtedly up, Robichaud says the town may also be experiencing a small decline in petty crime.

“Certainly there being fewer people up and around makes people who are up and around and up to no good much more visible,” he laughs. The chief is unsure whether the slight dip is in fact a decrease or if people are simply reporting less because the office is no longer open for spontaneous visitors as a COVID-19 precaution.

Whether they are phoning in to make a tip or calling to ask for help, Robichaud asks his fellow residents to stay in touch with their local police department.

“Our job as police officers isn’t only to enforce the law, it is to ensure people feel safe,” he says.