The Kamloops RCMP is reporting a sharp increase in child exploitation investigations in 2025, with officials describing the workload as one of the most demanding in recent years.
Speaking during his 2025 Year-End Report to city council, Supt. Jeff Pelley said the detachment’s sex crimes unit received 100 British Columbia Integrated Child Exploitation (BC ICE) files in the last quarter alone, a substantial jump from 62 files in 2024.
“That’s a significant increase,” Pelley told council, noting that many of the cases require immediate and intensive investigative action.
Complex, Time-Sensitive Investigations
BC ICE files involve allegations of online child exploitation and are often coordinated in partnership with provincial and national policing units. Pelley said the cases frequently require urgent applications for subscriber information, search warrants, and the seizure and analysis of digital devices.
“These are very serious investigations that require immediate attention so that we can advance them,” he said.
Police are also seeing offenders become increasingly sophisticated, including the use of encrypted platforms and other technologies that complicate investigations and demand specialized digital forensic work.
Growing Capacity to Meet Demand
In response to rising caseloads, the Kamloops RCMP has expanded its sex crimes unit, which now includes a corporal and three dedicated members focused on these investigations.
Pelley said the detachment continues to strengthen its General Investigation Support team to relieve pressure on frontline officers and help manage complex digital files.
The unit works closely with provincial partners on BC ICE investigations, many of which extend beyond municipal boundaries.
Increased Reporting and Community Impact
Pelley noted that more individuals are coming forward, which may reflect increased trust in police and greater public awareness of online exploitation risks.
While the rise in reported files places added strain on investigators, police say the goal remains clear: identifying offenders quickly, protecting vulnerable children, and advancing cases through the courts as efficiently as possible.
The superintendent told council that addressing online child exploitation will remain a key priority as the detachment continues to adapt to evolving digital threats in 2026.
