Skip to content

Camrose and Wetaskiwin RCMP Detachments roll out new policing model

A review of Wetaskiwin-Camrose project reveals that it has been successful in several areas
19077589_web1_Wet-RCMP-detachBW

The Wetaskiwin and Camrose County RCMP are cooperating in a new way to make the community even safer.

According to Superintendent Gord Stewart, Assistant District Officer, Central Alberta District, “The RCMP are pleased to announce the initiation of a new policing model in Camrose County that will see residents benefit from 24-hour policing service.

“The RCMP is focused on looking for opportunities to provide better service to all the communities we serve. As a result, a pilot project was launched over the last three months. This project saw Camrose detachment working collaboratively with Wetaskiwin Detachment in an effort to improve policing service to the County of Camrose.

“Camrose RCMP’s schedule now mirrors Wetaskiwin RCMP’s watch schedule, providing for a timely response to calls for service in the Camrose Detachment area.

“The Council and Administration of Camrose County have been regularly consulted throughout this pilot project.

“A review of this pilot reveals that it has been successful in several areas:

- Camrose County residents now receive 24/7 police coverage. This translates to higher police visibility in the rural areas.

- This policing model has resulted in quicker response times to calls for service in Camrose and had led to the successful arrests of repeat offenders.

- It also provides for an improved work/life balance for the RCMP members in Camrose detachment.

“This model will provide better policing service to the Camrose County community with no increase in cost” says Chief Superintendent Shahin Mehdizadeh, the District Officer for Central Alberta District. “The partnership and coordination that already exists between Camrose and Wetaskiwin has only been enhanced.”

“Camrose County Residents are justifiably concerned about increasing rural crime and the availability of the RCMP when crime occurs. It is Council’s hope that this change will significantly improve the service to our residents,” says Reeve Don Gregorwich, Camrose County.

“Camrose Detachment remains open with RCMP members and support staff continuing to provide detachment support. All aspects of detachment operations remain the same. The positive change that the community will see is 24-hour coverage.”

Stu.salkeld@pipestoneflyer.ca