LAC LA BICHE - Local residents were given an opportunity to speak with peace officers and local RCMP about crime prevention initiatives, and voice their concerns and suggestions at an open house on Wednesday at the Lac La Biche Protective Services building.
Ryan Deschamps, the manager of Enforcement Services for Lac La Biche County, said the aim of an open house — one is scheduled to be held three or four times a year — is to collect feedback from members of the public regarding areas of concern within the community. This includes increased areas of focus as well as finding ways to get the public more involved in helping with community policing.
The challenges in getting more members of the public involved-including attending meetings and open houses-Deschamps says, can be attributed to a lack of awareness, but also perhaps that people don’t feel as though their concerns or complaints are important.
“They may feel that their call for service, or their concern is not 911-worthy, or is not Enforcement Services worthy, and that maybe they just don’t want to waste anyone’s time in calling us,” he said. “The purpose of tonight is we want people to recognize who to call and when to call, and let them know that any concern that they have, they can bring it forward to us.”
The Safer Municipality Advisory Committee (SMAC), which is comprised of local RCMP and community peace officers, as well as members of Lac La Biche County council and the public, was also present to speak with those in attendance and answer questions.
Those who attended the open house were also given questionnaires to fill out asking them their opinions about what they believe the focus of local law enforcement should be, areas in the community they feel need more law enforcement presence, as well as an provide additional feedback.
Sgt. Trevor Cardinal of the Lac La Biche RCMP and a member of SMAC, said the open houses are not only informative, but give those who can’t get to council meetings during the day an opportunity to meet with local RCMP and law enforcement and tell them personally about whatever issues or concerns they might have.
“Not everybody gets heard,” Cardinal said. “Not everybody gets their airtime. So, these sessions are about how they can contribute to policing in Lac La Biche.”
Cardinal said crime is not merely an RCMP or Lac La Biche County issue, but one that affects all residents.
“The public need to decide how or what they can do to help out,” Cardinal said.
Another public open house is expected to take place early in 2024
