By Curtis Galbraith

Crime

New security unit to start patrolling this month, policing review underway

Aug 11, 2022 | 6:00 AM

A new crime fighting tool called the Public Security Unit is expected to be get going this month in Grande Prairie.

City Director of Protective & Social Services Chris Manuel says this is a pilot project included in this year’s city budget.

“(This) will essentially see dedicated security patrols throughout priority areas in the city, spots that Enforcement (Services and) the police feel could use additional set of eyes and presence and help us address come community concerns.”

Manuel says it will be assessed after six months to see if it should be permanent and what adjustments might need to be made.

He adds it will be administered by Enforcement Services bus use contracted security staff until more staff can be recruited and a decision is made on continuing with the program.

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

Policing review underway

The city is also doing a review of policing in Grande Prairie.

It will cover Enforcement Services and the RCMP.

Manuel says this is what he calls a service delivery review.

“It’s really looking at what is the current landscape, what’s the resourcing, what are the demands, what best practices exist, how do we benchmark against those, and what are some options for the future.”

Manuel says the review started in the spring and a report is due by the beginning of October.

Crime trends evolving

Manuel also says crime has evolved in Grande Prairie.

He says priorities have shifted for people in enforcement from past years like 2014 and 2015 when there were a lot more reports of violent crimes like shootings.

“Now the calls that are frequenting my desk are more along the lines of bicycle thefts and car prowlings and those things, which are important, but it’s a different approach, a different problem set than homicides and assaults and break and enters and those sorts of things.”

Manuel says the justice approach is also different for these crimes as someone convicted of a homicide would go to prison, but someone convicted of stealing a bike would most likely get a fine.