Gatineau police annual report shows 23% increase in criminal offenses in 2022 

Sophie Demers

The director of the Gatineau police service (SPVG), Luc Beaudoin, presented the Annual report during the May 30 plenary committee meeting. According to the report, last year there was a 23% increase in criminal offenses, which equated to 11,496 crimes. 

“The year 2022 was synonymous with recovery and a return to habits for the population. Crime was no exception! As elsewhere in the country, we have observed an increase in criminal offenses and we have been confronted, especially at the start of the year, with the significant consequences of social unrest, “said Beaudoin.

The emergency centre handled 312,045 service requests in 2022. This indicated a decrease in calls since 2020 during the pandemic which peaked at 438,996 calls. Of these calls, 7% were for fires, 20% were for ambulance services, 61% were for police, and 12% were categorized as “other”.

In 2022, there were 3,880 calls for police mental health interventions. Of these calls the Crisis Intervention Unit (UNIC), which includes a police officer and a CISSS de l’Outaouais worker, were able to carry out 821 interventions. This represents approximately 21% of the calls received as an intervention. 

Crimes against the person increased by 17% compared to 2021 for a total of 3,711 in 2022. Sexual assault and harassment in the context of domestic violence has increased by 46% and 51% respectively.

There were 6,435 criminal offenses related to property and vehicle thefts in 2022. Property crimes increased by 32% and, after a significant decrease in break-ins during the pandemic, in 2022, this crime increased by 71% compared to 2021. The report states that there was a 147% increase in vehicle thefts, which is linked to a structured network of vehicle thefts. In terms of firearms on Gatineau territory, Gatineau Police seized 207 firearms last year.


The Gatineau police conducted 59 investigations, 57 searches, and 49 arrests related to drug trafficking. The report highlights that overdoses continue to increase. 

For road safety, in 2022 there were a total of 3,013 collisions on Gatineau territory with an injury crash rate of 15%. Last year saw a 15% increase in vehicle driving offenses compared to 2021. There were a total of 1,348 offenses concerning vehicle operation. 

The police formed a team specializing in dealing with domestic violence cases. They also conducted 148 presentations against violence and bullying in schools as well as 34 #KeepItForYou” presentations to prevent child sexual abuse material. 

Photo Caption: Luc Beaudoin, Director of the Gatineau Police Service presenting the annual report during the May 30 plenary committee. 

Photo Credit: Screenshot of City of Gatineau livestream