West Shore RCMP said they investigated 20 child pornography offences since January 2018 and they do not believe the number of investigations is disproportionate compared to other jurisdictions of a similar size. On Jan. 31, 2019, Insp. Todd Preston, the officer in charge of the West Shore RCMP, said at a Langford Protective Services Committee meeting that the West Shore RCMP General Investigation Section investigated 17 child pornography offences since 2018. West Shore RCMP are now providing an update on those investigations. Const. Nancy Saggar, West Shore RCMP media relations officer, said in the last month, the General Investigation Section has executed three search warrants for three separate child pornography related offences. “Two individuals have been arrested in connection with these investigations for child pornography related offences. These individuals were later released by police with extensive conditions. The names of these individuals will not be released at this time. We do not have any indication or reports of direct or active child abuse. The investigations are still ongoing,” Saggar said in a statement. Sgt. Chris Boucher of the General Investigation Section has also advised that as of Feb. 12, West Shore RCMP have received further information from the BC RCMP Integrated Child Exploitation unit (BC ICE), which has led to an additional three investigations into child pornography related offences opening up. This brings the number of files investigated since January 2018 from 17 to 20.“These investigations are tough, time-consuming and exhaustive. I’m proud of the work my team is doing,” Boucher said in a statement. West Shore RCMP stated that it’s important to note the number of investigations since January of last year is a collective number and the investigations are in various stages. Some are moving through the courts and other investigations are just starting. “We don’t believe that the number of investigations being conducted in the West Shore is disproportionate compared to other jurisdictions of a similar size,” Saggar said. BC ICE has assisted West Shore RCMP with resources, including a technical crime investigator who comes over from BC RCMP headquarters in Surrey on a case-by-case basis. West Shore RCMP has a Digital Investigator of Computer Exhibits (D.I.C.E) and Digital Mobile Field Technician members. “Public safety is always number one for us. Investigators will always establish if there is a threat to the public/person(s) before continuing on gathering evidence. Investigating these types of offences are a top priority for us and those who engage in child pornography and abuse should be aware that we will be aggressive and relentless in our pursuit of you,” West Shore RCMP said.