M.D. meeting with RCMP K Division this spring to discuss issues

The M.D. of Bonnyville will be meeting with higher-ups with the RCMP at RMA this spring to discuss policing costs, enhancing peace officers’ abilities in rural areas and whether the area can expect more officers after a big provincial spend.

M.D. council agreed to book a meeting with the Commanding Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister in RCMP K Division during the spring RMA convention on Mar. 16-18.

The municipality will start paying for RCMP officers this year as the province changed how policing is funding in Alberta.

The M.D. wants to know what their bill will be to the province since they’re beginning to fund a Lakeland Crime Reduction Unit for $1.3 million over a three-year run and whether their peace officers can get more involved.

“We’re looking for some clarity there. We’re also looking for their input on going after those enhanced authorities for our peace officers,” said Reeve Greg Sawchuk.

“Whether it be they go out and if the RCMP is unable to investigate, say a theft under $5000 or vehicle theft, then could our peace officer engage with the resident at least and get their statement?”

“More so, I think our residents, they want to be heard when they’ve been impacted by crime.”

Sawchuk said the M.D. has a strong case to have their policing costs reduced because of their investment in the Lakeland Unit from the ID 349 regional fund.

Rural crime continues to be a hot topic in the area.

The Cold Lake RCMP are hosting a rural crime town hall on Feb. 26.