Collaboration and communication between the Bonnyville and Cold Lake RCMP, and MD of Bonnyville peace officers is there, but it could be better.
During their latest council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 14, the MD discussed bringing the three enforcement entities together to talk about how they can work towards a common goal: reducing crime in the municipality.
“It’s in response to lots of things that are going on still in the outer reaches (of the MD) as far as crime goes. We’re just thinking there might be a better way we can implement our peace officers to help out,” expressed Reeve Greg Sawchuk. “I know there has always been a separation somewhat between the (RCMP and MD peace officers), but we’re looking at a way that we might be able to help, because we do have a lot of cars out there on the road all day and into the night.”
In a perfect world, Sawchuk said RCMP would communicate with their peace officers when a call comes in where they could be utilized.
Using a break and enter as an example, he explained how their officers are on the road and if given a description of the suspect vehicle, could be another set of eyes and ears on the road.
“That’s what we’re going to look at, if they have the ability to track that vehicle in a way that our resources can help out,” Sawchuk said.
The current relationship between the RCMP and MD peace officers was described by both parties as working well, but they agree opening up that line of communication can never hurt.
“We want to make sure that we’re all on the same page and that we’re all working toward a single goal,” said director of public safety for the MD Chris Garner. “We want to be more focused on getting to where we want to be with our concerns in the MD of Bonnyville. We want to make sure we’re all on the same page as far as where we’re going forward from here.”
The meeting would include MD council representatives, Garner, as well as both the staff sergeants from the Bonnyville and Cold Lake detachments.
Cold Lake RCMP S/Sgt. Scott Buchanan said, “I look forward to working in collaboration with all enforcement agencies within the county, including the Bonnyville RCMP detachment, the MD of Bonnyville peace officers, and even the Cold Lake peace officers.”
S/Sgt. Sarah Parke, detachment commander of the Bonnyville RCMP, agreed.
“The lines of communication have always been open between the RCMP and the MD. Collaboration between the two have, and continue to, benefit both organizations and public safety as a whole,” she said.
According to Parke, recent discussions betwen the municipality, MD peace officers, and both RCMP detachments has resulted in the renewal of the Rural Policing Committee.
“This committee will meet on a regular basis and discuss the current issues that concern the residents of the MD,” she added.
For Garner, continuing to build on their already existing relationship is vital to keep their communities safe.
“It’s important, because then we’re all working toward that single purpose, and it’s going to be a lot more clarified as to where we’re all heading,” he detailed. “We’re looking to improve the sharing of information and looking to build on working together, and do more things together.”
In the past, the peace officers and RCMP have banded together for quad patrols, joint traffic initiatives, and check stops.
Garner noted, “We’ve all been working together, but I definitely think there are areas where we can increase our cooperation.”
“Rather than working independently, let’s try and do a few more joint operations,” agreed Sawchuk.
