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8, No. 15 Tuesday, February8,19, 2013 Vol.Vol. 7, No. 2, Tuesday, November 2011
Bruderheim Family Day activities included old fashioned sleigh rides courtesy of the Bruderheim Agricultural Society.
Citizens group voices concerns regarding lack of police presence to Lamont town council Michelle Pinon Editor A group of citizens appeared before Lamont town council Feb.12th to express their concerns regarding policing in the community. Heather Price, spokesperson for the group which was comprised of ten people, including representatives from the local fire department, emergency medical services, local businesses, and residents, told elected officials they were concerned about a decline in the presence of RCMP officers. “We, as a community, have observed a noticeable decrease in the RCMP presence in and around Lamont. Gone are the days when we
would see an RCMP cruiser patrolling the town. Not that long ago we would see patrol cars doing routine pass throughs in the subdivision. That does not appear to happen anymore.” Price said she knew of two similar incidents when a call was made for help, no assistance was forthcoming. “Not even hours later. When almost 48 hours passed before there was even any follow up done.” A former town councillor, Price also pointed out that she had listened to at least three detachment commanders “sing the same song,” that is the standard response of: “Tell them to call the police, tell them to get a plate number and description, tell them to
be prepared to write a statement and go to court.” While Price fully agrees with all of those suggestions, she stated that: “Police alone cannot solve our problems. We need to take ownership.” Yet on the other hand, she said she wouldn’t feel safe participating in the Citizens on Patrol program, even though she once belonged to that organization. “I am not comfortable there would be a response at all, never mind a timely response should I witness, or God forbid, be involved in an incident.” She, however, didn’t think vigilantism was the solution either. “I have heard some rumblings of people who will take matters into their own
hands, and I personally do not think vigilantes or local posses are the answer. I do know that given enough desperation, even the most respectable law abiding citizen will have a breaking point.” Price said there has been an ebb and flow as far as RCMP presence over the years, but said she couldn’t remember a time when it was this low. “I think it is accurate to say right now we feel very vulnerable as a community. With no noticeable police presence we feel we are ripe for the picking. How long until we become easy targets for break and enters? Oh wait, it has been happening already.” But coun. Gail Hrehorets said that by all
indications, RCMP were still patrolling in the town. “They did indicate they have night time patrols.” Price noted that both incidents she had referred to happened at night. Hrehorets added that she was not aware of the detachment combining urban and rural sectors. “They are challenged from the resourcing perspective,” said Hrehorets. She added that, however, council could have a discussion with the RCMP about it, and pass on other questions the citizens have. Earlier in the presentation the questions that were asked included: 1) What has changed? 2) What happened to the patrol we used to see? 3) Is it true that the detachment now has
combined urban and rural sectors? 4) Do we still have dedicated rural officers? 5) When an incident is reported, what is an acceptable time frame before a call is returned? Is 48 hours not excessive by any standard? 6) Where do we go from here? Mayor Bill Skinner said he would be wiling to ask questions on behalf of the residents, but wanted their assurance they would be willing to talk with the RCMP. Price gave that assurance, and said they would like to know when the RCMP Staff Sargeant would be in Lamont again, and indicated they would even be open to a group discussion.