The Edson RCMP has its marching orders for 2022.
At Edson town council’s June 7, 2022 meeting, Edson RCMP Staff Sergeant Christian Delisle was on hand to present the RCMP’s annual work plan.
As outlined by Delisle, the work plan has three main objectives: increased visibility, crime reduction, and training.
For increasing their visibility, the Edson RCMP are planning to have 30 community contacts in 2022. Delisle mentioned that will probably be higher, as thanks to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, they can attend more events. Some of the things they have done so far is hosting their Bike Rodeo in May, and some school groups are getting tours of the RCMP station.
For crime reduction, the Edson RCMP has decided to focus on thefts. Their goal is a 10 per cent reduction in thefts. There were 380 in 2021, so the RCMP is aiming for no more than 340.
The Edson RCMP will also be increasing their proactive patrols. They are aiming to have 1200 patrols in 2022.
The Edson RCMP will also be working to reduce drugs in the community. The RCMP’s goal is to have six large drug investigations in 2022, resulting in charges.
And for the third initiative – training – Delisle mentioned that is more of an internal measure. Some of the training courses the RCMP members will be taking part in are radar, ATVs, and Tasers. They will also be doing bicycle training, with the goal of resuming bike patrols in Edson.
Councillor Gene Chouinard was curious about the plan to reduce thefts, and how the RCMP were planning to do it.
Delisle highlighted measures like the increased patrols, and also putting more pressure on the repeat offenders. Delisle mentioned a strong education component as well.
With the increased visibility, Councillor Ed Moore wanted to know if the Edson RCMP was planning an open house.
Delisle said they have not been thinking about one, but they can look into it.
Councillor Trevor Bevan wanted to know when the bike patrol would be starting up again.
Delisle said they have the bikes. The RCMP members just need to be trained, so they are working to get the training courses set up.
Edson mayor Kevin Zahara wrapped up the presentation by thanking Delisle for having already stepped up their community involvement, and noting the increased visibility.
