The public can soon go online and see what types of crimes there are in their area with the service expected to be up and running this month.
Stettler RCMP Sgt. Phil Penny told Stettler County council that the detachment will map crimes such as thefts, break and enters and mischiefs.
“We have the ability to present to the public ‘this is what’s going on in your area,’” said Sgt. Penny during council’s regular meeting June 13. “It gives a snapshot of what is going on and helps us look at trends.”
The information will be online and available through the county’s website. It will look like a Google map with icons and the public can click on them for information provided for the last two weeks.
Working with other detachments
Stettler RCMP continues to work with neighbouring detachments such as Coronation, Hanna and Drumheller but are setting aside money from their budget to work closer with the Bashaw detachment to target shared offenders.
The Stettler detachment’s annual performance plan for 2018 includes crime reduction.
“We fall under the Wetaskiwin units,” said Sgt. Penny. “They have eight members there that actively seek out targets. Their roll is unique, quick hit and find people on warrants, get them charged and on remand.”
Sgt. Penny said Stettler has two members stationed in Stettler from the Blackfalds RCMP integrated highway traffic services unit.
“We work together but they are an entity of their own.”
“They spend a large amount of time on Hwy 11.”
Problem rural property
Sgt. Penny said they have been dealing with a property along Hwy 601 that was linked to criminal activities and the number and type of people they see there now, compared with last year, has changed dramatically and the situation has improved.
“Almost all of the main players are gone,” he said.
Sgt. Penny said to tackle the issues at the property police worked with the county, the gas company and even a health inspector and utilized provincial and criminal code statutes.
He added, however, that people have “exaggerated the activity and numbers” there.
Working with probation
Stettler RCMP works closely with the local probation department to monitor offenders.
“We identify some offenders on curfew or on conditions,” said Sgt. Penny. “Were sending the message that ‘you’re on conditions there’s an expectation that you abide by them and we’re going to check and we are going to help you with that.’”
Police visibility
Police visibility is another priority for the Stettler RCMP detachment.
“A big area for us is the lake,” said Sgt. Penny.
They are also conducting foot patrols in Big Valley.
“Their population doubles every time the train comes down there.”