Youth spot approved on policing committee: City

Community positions for the City’s new Policing Committee will soon be advertised, and City Council is hoping to engage with community members on the important topic of policing and public safety in the community.

“This is an opportunity to have members of the public,” said Mayor Craig Copeland. “Representation is an important factor for community policing, and this committee will provide a chance for volunteers to make an important difference in their community. We are responding not only to legislative changes that necessitate the committee, but to a sense in the public that community involvement in our public safety is needed.”

One spot on the committee is intended for a youth age 16 to 18. Other members of the community are also invited to apply, with up to four additional spots open to Cold Lake residents and two spots reserved for members of Council. They will be joined by an RCMP Officer in Charge, as a non-voting, advisory member on the committee.

The Police Act in Alberta recently underwent changes, requiring municipalities with populations of 15,000 or more to establish a policing committee. This committee will help develop an annual plan listing priorities and strategies for municipal policing. It will also represent the interests and concerns of the public to the Officer in Charge, and assist the Officer in Charge in resolving complaints, among other tasks.

“The men and women at the Cold Lake RCMP detachment have been working heavy case loads and have always done their best to respond to the public’s concerns,” Copeland said. “Their efforts have been outstanding and much appreciated by our residents. This is a chance not only for the detachment to hear from the public, but for the community members on the committee to hear about the challenges that police face, the reality of policing and the support that they can use.”

Available spots for the committee positions will be advertised when applications open to the public, and more information on other boards and committees can be found at www.coldlake.com/boards