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Updated: Red Deer RCMP introduce downtown policing unit

A four-member downtown Red Deer RCMP unit hit the beat on Thursday as part of an ongoing crime crackdown.

A four-member downtown Red Deer RCMP unit hit the beat on Thursday as part of an ongoing crime crackdown.

Insp. Dean LaGrange, who will oversee the unit, said the officers will work day and evening shifts and mostly patrol in pairs.

“Primarily, they’re going to be out on foot, on the mountain bikes and the Segways,” said LaGrange.

“When it dips below -15 C, -20 C, you’ll see them hopping into patrol cars to get around downtown. But they’ll still be out and about, engaging with people and dealing with issues as they arise.”

LaGrange said a big part of the mission is to provide a highly visible street presence in the city core while forging connections with residents, business owners and staff and social service agencies.

That crime is a hot button issue was made clear in 2016, when Maclean’s magazine ranked Red Deer the second-most dangerous city in Canada after Grande Prairie.

The same year, police rolled out Project Pinpoint, which has been credited with reducing crime rates by using detailed analysis to focus on crime hotspots and repeat offenders.

Red Deer RCMP Supt. Ken Foster said police have been a regular presence in the downtown. Since the beginning of the year, officers have made 113 arrests, executed 168 warrants, laid 108 charges and visited nearly 800 businesses.

“The downtown policing unit will augment the work that is already being done, providing more police presence and allowing us the opportunity to create deeper relationships with downtown businesses, residents and patrons.”

Mayor Tara Veer said residents have clearly identified crime and public safety as their number one concern. It prompted council to approve 10 new officers in the last budget, a personnel boost that paved the way for the new unit.

“Over the years, we’ve also heard the need for a downtown foot patrol and a downtown unit because of the unique circumstances and conditions that require enforcement in our downtown,” said Veer at a news conference Thursday morning.

“The predominant message out of today is that our citizens have been heard.”



pcowley@reddeeradvocate.com

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For a related story on Red Deer city crime statistics, turn to Page 6

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RCMP officers in the new downtown unit will be on foot, mountain bike or Segway as they patrol the city’s core. The new unit made its first patrols on Thursday. Photo by PAUL COWLEY/Advocate staff
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RCMP officers in the new downtown unit will be on foot, mountain bike or Segway as they patrol the city’s core. The new unit made its first patrols on Thursday. Photo by PAUL COWLEY/Advocate staff
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RCMP officers in the new downtown unit will be on foot, mountain bike or Segway as they patrol the city’s core. The new unit made its first patrols on Thursday. Photo by PAUL COWLEY/Advocate staff