By Justine Kelsie

Two additional officers could be geared towards youth: RCMP Superintendent

Nov 22, 2018 | 5:17 AM

Two additional RCMP officers are to be added for 2019 in Grande Prairie.

City Council Committee of the Whole approved the 2019 Capital and Operating Budget last week which included enhancements to public safety.

RCMP Superintendent Don McKenna says the new officers will have a focus.

“For next year, what we are hoping to do is use those two officers in a Crime Reduction Unit geared more towards youth,” says McKenna.

“What they will do is help work with other agencies within the community to get some services to youth offenders, but also, to hold the youth accountable to any court ordered curfews that they have. We are hoping that there will be a long-term effect.”

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

There is an increase of nine officers projected over the next four years, according to the Superintendent.

“Next is the determination of ‘how can we use them the most efficiently as possible’,” he says.

“That is the next step. Because of course, we want them to be supporting the front-line members. We want them to improve our customer-service, improve our investigation and response times, and improve our ability to be proactive.”

He says community agencies are a big help for officers and they all have a hand in making Grande Prairie a safer place.

“We have certainly come a long way since 2015 as far as reducing crime goes,” says McKenna.