RCMP in the Trinity-Conception area have laid a total of 68 charges in four months as the result of an ongoing effort to monitor offenders who have been released into the community on court orders.

Police say of the nine people arrested, six remain in custody.

The initiative was launched in October in order to identify prolific offenders in the community and ensure that they were complying with court-ordered conditions.

RCMP also conducted investigations into new criminal activity involving repeat offenders, including property crimes, as well as weapons and drug offences.

Thirty of the charges laid to-date were related to failing to comply with court orders, and the remaining 38 involved other criminal offences.

The aim, according to the RCMP was to allow for multiple charges to be laid against identified offenders and keep them in custody, with the aim of reducing their ability to reoffend and to recognize and support those who are complying.

Similar initiatives are in place on the province’s west coast and in Labrador.