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County of Wetaskiwin renews Enhanced Policing Policy

Enhanced policing maintains positive image in Wetaskiwin County
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The County of Wetaskiwin has renewed its enhanced policing contract with local RCMP for the 2018 year.

“Council gives its support again,” said assistant CAO Rod Hawken.

The decision was made during council’s Nov. 7 meeting.

The provincial Enhanced Policing Policy Program ensures communities are able to utilize local policing resources to ensure there is adequate enforcement during times and events that would require above average levels to keep order and safety an attainable priority.

For 2018, county councillors approved up to a maximum of 550 hours of enhanced policing time.

This approval is on par with the past three years, says Hawken.

“Generally they would attend rodeos and fairs … Where large groups are coming together,” said Hawken.

The agreement encompasses enforcement of to a maximum of $45,000.

Councillors were informed the overall feedback from ratepayers toward the program has been a general positive consensus, in that the enhanced policing policy continues to be of value in the communities of the County of Wetaskiwin.

The agreement will commence Jan. 1, 2018, and end Dec. 31, 2018.

Along with the already planned out 330 hours of enhanced policing, encompassing May Long Weekend, July Long Weekend, August Long Weekend, September Long Weekend, Alder Flats Rodeo, Buck Lake Stampede, Ugetuk Days, Mulhurst Day, Lakedell Fair, and the West of the 5th Rodeo; additional areas that may be covered with the remaining 220 hours include: county parks, Edmonton International Raceway race dates, serving warrants, bike races (around Pigeon Lake at Mulhurst Bay), snowmobile races, patrolling hamlets, of highway vehicles, feeder roads to First Nation Reserves, quad patrols utilizing RCMP owned quads, and other events discussed and approved by the assistant CAO.

amelia.naismith@pipestoneflyer.ca