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Stettler School Resource Officer gives an update on his work to the Clearview Public School Board

Constable Jon McNickle discusses marijuana legalization; number of files he’s responded to over the last year
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Now a full year into his role as School Resource Officer for Clearview Public Schools, RCMP Constable Jon McNickle stopped into the January 18th board meeting to give an update on his work.

In 2017, the constable was involved with 90 files in the school system, which he says can take up a large amount of time on the computer filing “incident reports.” He noted that not all of the incidents were criminal matters, but if a complaint is filed, he is required to do a write-up.

As for the impending legalization of marijuana after July 1st, McNickle says the RCMP are still waiting for answers to some legislative questions. Mainly this has to do with what the impairment level will be for roadside testing once it’s legalized.

As for the schools, he sees it as “business as usual” when it come to intoxication protocols that already prohibit students from using substances at school. The minimum age limit of 18 to purchase marijuana should also be a deterrent, with a fine system expected to be put in place for those who break the rules.

To that end, McNickle explained over the past few years, officers arresting someone for possession under 30 grams have received a fine and a notice to appear in court. He said he could foresee a similar type of system where officers issue a fine and citation on the spot, instead of sending people to court, however this still has to legislated to be the case.

Trustees also asked if the space the officer is using at William E. Hay is large enough for his needs. He said that it’s good for one-on-one meetings with students, and that he will use an empty teachers office if he needs to speak to a larger group.

Finally, trustees asked about the rural crime issue, and if the officer has seen anyone he deals with on a regular basis on the court dockets. He said he has not found that to be the case, as the majority of offenders seem to be in their late 20’s or early 30’s.

Constable McNickle added that he attends youth court sessions here in Stettler, and that young offenders from Bashaw are also often sent here for court appearances.



landin.chambers@stettlerindependent.com

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