DIDSBURY – RCMP officers in the local detachment area are continuing work aimed at providing education and access to addition services for local users, Didsbury RCMP detachment commander Stephen Browne told council.
In his quarterly report presented to council at its recent regularly scheduled meeting, Browne outlined ongoing police efforts.
“Police know that regular users of controlled substances are often not interested in taking advice from police but are hoping that by building trust, these addicts will be more receptive to the offered access, by police, to these additional services,” said Browne.
“Members of the Didsbury RCMP make options available to people in cells who are suffering from withdrawal symptoms to seek medical help and counselling.”
Town council has outlined a number of priorities it would like to see local RCMP focus on this year; one priority being opioid and fentanyl drug enforcement and education.
In his report, Browne said local officers investigated three possession of controlled substances files in the quarter (January to March).
“Charges were laid on one of these files as there were victims as a result of the drug use other than the user themselves,” he said. “The user was spoke to about the negatives of their use of the controlled substance and offered options to help combat addiction.
“Police took steps to further positive relationships with these regular clients in hopes that trust could be built.”
In his report, Browne also updated council on work vis-a-vis another priority of increased visibility in the community.
“Members continue to conduct targeted patrols within the town of Didsbury,” he said. “Members conduct vehicle contacts, bar walks and check stops. Patrols have been increased in this quarter and as the weather gets nicer with spring and summer upon us it will get even busier for members with the town of Didsbury.
"Members continue to be encouraged to be active in the community and engage with the public not just an enforcement and educational level but on a person and social level.”
Upcoming community events this spring and summer, such as filming projects in town, will be “monitored and members will be aware to increase visibility during larger events,” he said.
Recent traffic enforcement in town included officers issuing one immediate roadside suspension, 38 violation tickets for moving/non-moving violations and liquor offences and two written warnings.
Council accepted Browne’s report as information.
