CAMROSE POLICE SERVICE
2014
ANNUAL REPORT
“Public safety through
policing excellence”
2014 Annual Report
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MESSAGE FROM THE POLICE COMMISSION
The Camrose Police Commission has the responsibility of governing the Camrose Police Service
and providing civilian oversight. The Commission must ensure the police are addressing
community crime and safety concerns. Your commission is composed of Robert Ford Vice
Chairman and Public Complaints Director, Kevin Hycha city council representative, PJ Stasko
city council representative, Lorrie Sitler, Dave Jewell, and Mark Schneider members of the
community and Lowell Knutson chair. I would like to thank the Commission members for their
dedication and commitment to our community and the Police Service.
Police have a duty to the public in general and should not operate without accountability to
citizens. Police Commissions were created to provide citizen oversight of the police and ensure
the police are fulfilling their duties to the citizens who they are sworn to serve and protect. The
Police Commission provides a connection between city government and the police, ensuring fair
and equitable policing occurs while still enabling open communications for Council.
Economics of Policing is a developing concern for the Commission. A focus has been to identify
and reduce the perceived increasing costs associated with policing across Canada. We will be
focusing on reducing the increased demands that are being placed on the police, by a multitude
of community segments, which are not traditional police functions. The Service is open 24 hours
a day, 365 days a year and is called on to respond to many issues that are not police functions.
These non-police issues are placing increasing demands on our resources and taking us away
from our core policing roles. There are more cost effective ways to solve these issues and we
look forward to future community consultation. Our service is still maintaining a police to
population ratio that is one of the lowest in the province. Our hope is to maintain this ratio and
keep our cost percentage of the tax budget stable.
The Commission has been audited by the Solicitor General’s department for compliance with
their Policing Governance and Oversight Standards. We have been advised that our policies
meet the standards, but we need some updates on our procedure manual. The government audit
committee advised that the Camrose Commission was compliant as far as governance and
oversight. They will provide a letter to the Commission outlining some procedures we need to
update in the next few months to receive full compliance.
The Service and Commission have engaged the University of Alberta to conduct a community
satisfaction survey for the Police Service. I am pleased to report that 94% of respondents believe
Camrose is a safe place to live and 90% were satisfied with all aspects of the Service.
Lowell Knutson
Chair
Camrose Police Commission
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CAMROSE POLICE SERVICE
The Camrose Police Service was established in 1956 and through the guidance and leadership of
the following Chiefs has continually advanced and is recognized for its accomplishments
throughout Canada.
Chief H.L. MARTIN - April, 1956 - May, 1963
Chief E.V. CHRISTIANSON - June, 1963 - July, 1982
Chief F.D. FRANKLIN - August, 1982 - July, 1987
A/Chief V.N. REDEKOPP - August, 1987 - December, 1987
Chief W.S. BRADSHAW - January, 1988 - January, 1999
Chief M.L. CHALMERS - January, 1999 - December, 2007
Our Mission
Public safety through Policing excellence.
Our Vision
To be a modern, progressive organization collaborating with our community to provide a safe
and caring environment that enhances quality of life in Camrose.
Values
A
Accountability - Responsible for all our decisions and actions.
S
Stewardship - Dedicated to building a heritage for future generations by encouraging
community minded growth and well-being for all internal and external stakeholders.
P
Professionalism - maintain public confidence, trust and pride.
I
Integrity - Doing the right things, for the right reasons, all of the time.
R
Respect - Treat all with courtesy, compassion, fairness and dignity.
E
Excellence - Committed to the highest ethical and legal standards in everything we do.
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MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF POLICE
In 2014 the Camrose Police Service was subject to a cyclical policing standards compliance
review completed by the Alberta Policing Standards Unit of the Alberta Justice and Solicitor
General’s office. The following findings were provided to the Camrose Police Commission.
“The results of the standards audit and planning documents reviewed indicate that the citizens of
Camrose receive adequate and effective policing from the Camrose Police Service”.
I am extremely proud of the work of our personnel and volunteers, as we daily live up to our
mission statement “Public safety through Policing excellence”. The front line police officers are
the visible presence of our organization and each day are faced with complex situations requiring
their intervention to keep our community safe. Behind the scenes there are just as many hard
working people providing additional support: call takers, dispatchers, customer service agents,
court liaison, analysts, quality assurance managers, community peace officers, board members,
advocates and administrators. Each one an important part of our policing team and together are
responsible for our successes.
As we move forward into 2015, our identified operational initiatives relating to offender
management, licenced premises and information sharing will continue to enhance the pillars of
our strategic plan. Administratively, we will work with our community partners to identify root
problems and collectively guide those individuals to long term solutions. As with all police
agencies across Canada, our Service is being called on to respond to a variety of conduct that is
not criminal in nature. Currently over 40% of our calls, do not require the presence of police,
however as we are one of only a few agencies prepared to respond 24 hours a day, they become
our responsibility. In the interest of those in need, we will continue to look for alternative
community support and early intervention.
The Camrose Police Service is fortunate to receive support from our community and decision
makers, for which I am extremely grateful and do not take for granted. I trust the contents of
this report and the accompanying documents will provide you with timely information and a
snapshot of our activities in 2014.
D.L. Kambeitz, M.O.M.
Chief of Police
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Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies
(CALEA)
“CALEA serves to develop standards for public safety agencies and administer complementary accreditation
processes. The Process provides a modern management model for public safety agencies on an international basis,
and is a blueprint for developing industry recognized best practices.”
In 2013, the Camrose Police Service (CPS) received its seventh re-accreditation award, being the “Meritorious with
Excellence” Award. The Police Service continues to be compliant with this Accreditation process in maintaining
these advanced law enforcement standards by continuing to:
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strengthen crime prevention programs
formalize essential management procedures
establish fair and nondiscriminatory personnel practices
improve service-delivery
solidify interagency cooperation and coordination and
enhance citizen and staff confidence
The next re-accreditation Assessment in 2016 will once again test the CPS in their effort to pursue the newly
established level of Accreditation by CALEA, the “Gold Standard Assessment”.
The CPS maintains a CALEA certified Assessor on staff and after assessing other agencies in the CALEA process,
the Assessor is able to bring back to CPS, valuable best practices in law enforcement. The police service maintains
a membership with the Canadian Police Accreditation Coalition (CANPAC) and being one of the founding
members, an executive position is held with CANPAC.
Agency Accreditation Three Year Cycle
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CRIME PREVENTION/COMMUNITY RELATIONS
The Crime Prevention Unit of the Camrose Police Service is responsible for developing and
maintaining community partnerships which enhance public safety in our community. This unit
also functions to help educate the citizens of Camrose so they can best protect themselves from
becoming victimized by criminals. The Crime Prevention Unit of the Camrose Police Service
incorporates one officer who is responsible for various crime prevention initiatives, proactive
education, and community involvement; much of this work is often done in partnership with
other individuals, businesses, groups, and organizations within Camrose. The goal of the
program is to strive towards keeping Camrose a safe community. In 2014 Cst. Matthew Wilton
complete his third full year as the Crime Prevention Officer after he took over the role in late
2011.
Public education is a large portion of crime prevention; in 2014 Cst. Wilton and other Camrose
Police Service members provided several presentations to various organizations, groups,
businesses, and school classes throughout Camrose. Examples of Cst. Wilton’s presentations
include: fraud awareness, counterfeit currency, credit and debit card fraud, bike safety,
residential security, domestic violence, stalking and harassment, bomb threat procedures,
impaired driving, drug awareness, internet and social media safety, and school zone safety. Cst.
Rolfe also continued to assist with public education through several demonstrations he gave in
2014 to various organizations and schools with his Police Service Dog Mishka. Cst. Rolfe has
also continued to utilize his connections with the Camrose Kodiaks and other minor hockey
teams to provide our local hockey teams with presentations on appropriate behavior on and off of
the ice. In 2014 Cst. Rolfe also provided assistance to the Family Violence Action Society’s
inaugural Black and Blue Campaign. This was a multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at promoting
responsible behaviors for hockey players, the parents of hockey players, coaches, and the fans.
Twenty five school tours were conducted by Cst. Wilton or a police officer designate in 2014.
Most of these were with children in kindergarten or early elementary. The children were given a
tour of the police service including a chance to see a police car and the police cell block area.
The children were also introduced to several of the various units within the Camrose Police
Service and were given a lecture about the general function of the police. These tours provided a
great opportunity for the children to be taught about personal safety and about the proper use of
9-1-1. Cst. Wilton also continued to give his tours a short forensic fingerprint development
demonstration. All tours were very well received and many schools incorporate the tour into
their standard curriculum. Other groups such as several Camrose and area Scout programs, the
Women’s Shelter Children’s Program, Camrose Association for Community Living, and
numerous summer children’s programs also took advantage of the building tours in 2014.
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CRIME PREVENTION/COMMUNITY RELATIONS
In 2014 Cst. Wilton continued to update businesses and citizens about current crime trends and
the proactive ways they can deter crime. During the year several one-on-one meetings were
completed to warn potential victims and businesses. A few examples of these meetings include:
jewelry store theft prevention, cell phone retail thefts, concerns at the Camrose Library brought
forward to their Director and Board of Directors, liquor store break and enter prevention, robbery
and safety tips for businesses, concerns at the Camrose Golf Course, and several building
security and camera system assessments.
In addition to these personal meetings Cst. Wilton utilized several different written outlets to
help educate businesses and individuals about specific Camrose and area crime trends along with
locally focused crime prevention information. Business Watch continued to be a great resource
to quickly warn the businesses that participate in that program. Cst. Wilton also utilized the
Camrose Chamber of Commerce fan-out system for a few important business related crime
warnings. For information specific to the general public both local newspapers, the Camrose
Booster and the Camrose Canadian, were utilized. Thirteen different articles were written about
various crime prevention and crime educational topics which were published in one or both of
these newspapers. These articles included topics such as: fraud awareness, counterfeit currency,
credit card manual entry fraud, fraudulent telephone solicitors, graffiti in our community, child
safety and abduction prevention advice, and snowmobile safety and the laws governing their
proper use.
Each of these meetings and media articles were identified based on local occurrences and crime
trends. These personal warnings and education is important because it helps ensure that our
citizens are able to best protect themselves from the crime that occurs around them. In addition
to this, providing education to our citizens can also help solve crime; through the notification of
current trends, our citizens will be in a better position to recognize crime while it is occurring
and report it to the police in a timely fashion.
Cst. Wilton also utilized the Camrose Booster and the Camrose Canadian to publish articles
about the Camrose Crime Stoppers program and their Jaywalkers Jamboree Duck Race
fundraiser, the Camrose Special Olympic Free our Finest fundraiser, and articles about the two
annual Camrose and District Victim Services fundraisers: Charity Checkstop and Summer Finds
Vintage Wines.
In 2014 Cst. Wilton continued to utilize his training in Crime Prevention Through Environmental
Design (CPTED). The CPTED philosophy recognizes that we, as a community, can design our
public and private places in ways that prevent criminal activity. Simple alterations to buildings
and residences can make the life of a criminal more difficult and possibly even prevent crime
from occurring. Throughout the year Cst. Wilton spoke to numerous businesses about the
CPTED techniques. He also conducted several presentations about the CPTED philosophy to
residential home owners and renters of apartment complexes.
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CRIME PREVENTION/COMMUNITY RELATIONS
In his role as the Crime Prevention Officer, Cst. Wilton continues to
work closely with Camrose and District Victim Services by acting as
the liaison between the Victim Service Unit (VSU) and the Camrose
Police Service. VSU provides immediate assistance to victims along
with follow up services on an on-call basis 24 hours a day, 365 days
of the year. VSU is a police based community service that is operated
out of the Camrose Police Service building. Their motto is Support,
Inform and Refer and their goal is to ensure that all victims of crime
and tragedy have access to the available resources and services that are within our community
and province. In 2014 Lucy, the Victim Assistance Dog, completed her first full year with VSU.
Lucy has two handlers, Michelle Hauser the Camrose VSU Coordinator is the primary handler
for Lucy, and Cst. Wilton, who has been designated as a secondary handler due to his VSU
liaison role. Cst. Wilton often involves Lucy in his various community presentations to help
create more awareness about this new trend in victim support. Lucy was obtained in 2013
through the Edmonton based assistance dog training facility Dogs With Wings. Her role is to
provide comfort, security, and support to victims who have recently experienced a tragic or
criminal event. Throughout 2014 the merits of Lucy and Michelle’s success were noted as she
successfully helped countless victims of all ages. She was primarily utilized for victim support in
the moments following a crime or tragedy but also, through court approval, Lucy assisted several
victims by being present during their courtroom testimony.
Through the year Cst. Wilton provided assistance to VSU through: interviewing new applicants
for the VSU Board and Advocate positions, attending all the board and advocate meetings,
assisting in the fundraising events for the unit which helps them secure their year-to year
funding, assisting in presentations about the unit, and giving feedback to the unit. VSU is a key
part of the high level of service that the Camrose Police Service provides to the citizens of our
community. Currently there are 16 fully trained advocates including two that are crossed trained
to provide Red Cross Services. There is also a board of eight volunteer board members, in
addition to Cst. Wilton and an RCMP Police Liaison, who govern the unit and work to ensure the
unit’s funding.
Cst. Wilton as the Crime Prevention Officer is also
designated as the direct initial contact between the
Camrose Police Service and Crime Stoppers. Crime
Stoppers is a program that functions outside of police
direction; they provide an outlet for people to
anonymously provide information about criminal occurrences or activity. Crime Stoppers helps
record the information and then sends it to the police. The Camrose Police Service receives
numerous Crime Stopper tips throughout the year; these tips can help solve crime by providing
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CRIME PREVENTION/COMMUNITY RELATIONS
police with investigative leads that might not be available through other channels. Throughout
the last several decades dedicated individuals in our community and surrounding area have
embraced Crime Stoppers through their formation of a Camrose and District Crime Stoppers
volunteer group. Their focus was to assist with local awareness and fundraising for Crime
Stoppers. In the spring of 2014 this local group, along with Cst. Wilton, held a duck race
fundraiser at the Jaywalkers Jamboree. Through the support of our citizens all 10,000 tickets
were sold which helped raise a total of $12,600 for Crime Stoppers. This fundraiser also proved
to be a huge success through the local awareness that it generated.
In the fall the Camrose and District Crime Stoppers group decided to disband due to the
lessening need for their efforts. The group felt that since the program in Camrose is incorporated
within the Edmonton and Northern Alberta Crime Stoppers program, that their volunteer time
was no longer needed. Local awareness will now only be conducted through initiatives
spearheaded by Cst. Wilton and other Camrose Police Service employees.
In addition to Cst. Wilton’s educational awareness duties towards the Crime Stoppers program
he is also responsible for the processing of the Camrose Crime Stoppers tips. He is also
responsible for the sharing of Camrose Crime Stoppers crime releases with the local media and
the posting of these releases on the Camrose Police Service web site. In 2014 there were a total
of 17 releases created by Cst. Wilton and other Camrose Police Service investigators; these
releases requested information on specific crimes that had occurred within our community.
Please visit the Camrose Police Service website Crime Stoppers webpage to view past releases.
As previously mentioned, the Business Watch Program continued in
2014 to provide its membership with updates about crime trends and
recent business related scams. Business Watch allows the Crime
Prevention Officer to quickly disseminate information to business
about the recent crimes that have occurred in Camrose and the
surrounding area. The purpose is to provide the participating
businesses with knowledge of current criminal activity along with
educational information about specific scams which will help our local
participating businesses from becoming victimized. During 2014 a total of ten email releases
were sent to the participating businesses. These releases included information on: specific
shoplifting offences, the importance of surveillance systems, business related scams such as the
quick change scam, robbery offences, and credit card frauds. Any business that would like their
email address to be added to this program can contact Cst. Wilton.
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CRIME PREVENTION/COMMUNITY RELATIONS
The Wise Owl program continued in 2014 to educate the general public
about mass market frauds and scams. The Wise Owls are specifically
dedicated to the interests of older age citizens and the fraud crimes that
specifically target them but, they also help generate awareness for all
citizens of Camrose. These fraudulent scams often originate outside of
the Camrose jurisdiction with many of them stretching outside the
borders of Canada; further to this, scams can also appear very similar in
nature since they all have the same goal: to target an individual’s
identity or their hard earned money. This is why proactive education is
often very effective in reducing the number of victims. Cst. Wilton, in partnership with the Wise
Owls, provided a total of nine fraud awareness presentations to various business, community
groups, and organizations in 2014. In 2014 Cst. Wilton also utilized our local print media,
including the Camrose Canadian and the Camrose Booster, to provide a total of five articles per
newspaper that highlighted different fraud awareness tips, trends, and advice. The Camrose Wise
Owl Tip brochure, which was updated in 2014 by Cst. Wilton, along with other fraud awareness
handouts and tools were also distributed to our residents throughout the year. Cst. Wilton and the
Wise Owls used outlets such as the Camrose Farmers Market and businesses such as Camrose
Wal-Mart to handout this important material. In the spring Cst. Wilton and the Wise Owls also
attended the Camrose AMA Shredding Event to help promote the proactive steps individuals can
do to help prevent identity theft. Cst. Wilton also has continued to ensure that debit/credit card
protective sleeves available for free to the public. These sleeves help protect Tap-to-Pay enabled
cards from electronic data theft.
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CRIME PREVENTION/COMMUNITY RELATIONS
The Camrose Police Service co-hosted the eighth annual Charity Checkstop in December with
the Camrose RCMP and Camrose and District Victim Services. The Charity Checkstop is an
important fundraiser that relies on volunteer commitment from the Camrose Police Service,
RCMP members, as well as VSU advocates and board members. This year the event collected
over 2,000 lbs of food and $1,200.00 in monetary donations for the Camrose Food Bank; over
1,200 toys and $900 in monetary and gift card donations for the Camrose Kinettes Silent Santa
program; and $8,316.85 in monetary donations for Camrose and District Victim Services. The
Charity Checkstop also provided a great opportunity to promote community relations with the
public and it promoted interagency cooperation with the Camrose RCMP and the involved
charities. The University of Alberta Augustana Campus golf team and women’s basketball team
also participated in the event by volunteering their time to support the three designated charities.
Family violence prevention month was held again in November and the volunteers of the Family
Violence Action Society (FVAS) continued their annual November campaign to raise public
awareness about the frequency of family violence. Cst. Wilton is designated as a member of
FVAS and he is also a board member for the Family Violence Response Council. In these two
roles he provides support towards family violence awareness, in particular the November
initiatives. In 2014 the Red Silhouette Campaign continued as the primary November awareness
activity. Red painted silhouettes of women, children, and pets were placed in popular locations
throughout Camrose. These silhouettes contain family violence statistics and information that is
posted on their chests. Cst. Wilton and the Camrose Police Service support this awareness
campaign because they recognize the negative effects of family violence on individuals and
families.
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CRIME PREVENTION/COMMUNITY RELATIONS
In 2014 Cst. Wilton assisted in several fundraisers and other family violence awareness events
including a BBQ fundraiser for FVAS that was hosted by Scotia Bank. Cst. Rolfe and Cst.
Bellamy also volunteered as participants of the Camrose Women’s Shelter annual Walk a Mile in
Her Shoes fundraiser. In 2014 Cst. Wilton provided several presentations about various family
violence related topics such as domestic violence and stalking and harassment; these two
presentations were conducted in partnership with Camrose and District Victim Services.
Through his Crime Prevention role Cst. Wilton continued to
strengthen the Camrose Police Service relationship with
Camrose Special Olympics. Police across North America
have a long history of being involved with Special Olympics
and in 2014 Cst. Wilton and other Camrose Police Service
officers continued to volunteer their time to help support our local Special Olympic
program. Cst. Wilton participated in several Special Olympic events such as the softball
tournament banquet, the bowling tournament banquet, and the bowling year end wrapup party. He also helped organize a basketball game between the local Special Olympic
athletes and members of the Camrose Police Service. In 2014 Cst. Wilton had the honor to
be selected by the Executive Council of the Law Enforcement Torch Run to be one of two
Alberta law enforcement officers to attend the lower mainland of British Columbia to partake
in a four day torch run. This torch run transported the national Flame of Hope through 15
communities ending at the opening ceremonies of the National Special Olympic Summer
Games. Cst. Wilton also escorted one lucky Camrose Special Olympic athlete who had been
selected provincially to participate in this important torch run.
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CRIME PREVENTION/COMMUNITY RELATIONS
In 2014 Cst. Wilton lead a committee that planned the second annual “Free our Finest”
Special Olympic fundraiser. This two day fundraiser held in September involved officers
from the Camrose Police Service, the Camrose RCMP detachment, the Camrose Fire
Department, Camrose County Protective Services, and Camrose Emergency Medical
Services. This fundraiser involved one volunteer officer from each agency being confined to
a parking lot jail cell for the entire 30 hours of the event. At the same time other volunteer
officers were paired with Special Olympic athletes to collect donations from spectators and
Wal-Mart customers. Numerous demonstrations by each agency and other partnering
organizations were conducted in the parking lot over the two days. This helped each agency
showcase its unique resources and tools, helped draw crowds to the fundraiser, and provided
the public with insight about emergency services within Camrose and the area. Over $13,000
was raised for Special Olympics with half of the funds raised being designated to support
local programing efforts and the other half designated to support provincial Special Olympic
initiatives.
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CRIME PREVENTION/COMMUNITY RELATIONS
In 2014 other community events such as Tim
Horton’s Camp Day, McDonalds McHappy
Days, the Scotia Bank Stanley Cup visit, the
Camrose Canada Day festivities, Augustana
University Campus Neighbourhood BBQ, the
Big Valley Jamboree Parade, the AMA School
Safety Event, the Camrose Remembrance Day
Ceremonies, and the Camrose Festival of Trees
Teddy Bear Disco were all attended by Cst.
Wilton and/or other Camrose Police Officers.
These events allowed the Camrose Police
Service to create positive public relationships
with members of our community along with
demonstrating to our citizens that the Camrose
Police Service supports local businesses and
community groups.
As demonstrated in this report, the Crime Prevention
Unit is a critical component in maintaining strong
working relationships with several community groups
and businesses in Camrose. This is demonstrated
through the regular meetings, events, fundraisers, and presentations that are conducted by Cst.
Wilton in his crime prevention role. Further to this, the numerous written forms of education and
information sharing that Cst. Wilton regularly releases help ensure our community stays
informed about what is occurring around them. It is recognized that crime prevention initiatives
that utilize open communication are a key in the reduction and prevention of crime. Through his
role within the Camrose Police Service, Cst. Wilton has been available to assist any individuals
that inquire about information on crime and prevention techniques. The Camrose Police Service
recognizes that crime prevention is a community effort where we all need to work together
towards maintaining a safe community. The Camrose Police Service appreciates our community
efforts and attentiveness that they demonstrate towards preventing crime. The various volunteers
of the crime prevention programs that work with the Camrose Police Service such as the Wise
Owls and Camrose and District Victim Services are an essential component of the Crime
Prevention Units success. The Camrose Police Service would like to thank all of the volunteers
in these programs for their service and dedication. These volunteers help enhance the safety of
our community through the countless hours that they volunteer.
Cst. Matthew Wilton
Crime Prevention Officer
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SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER/D.A.R.E. PROGRAMS
The School Resource Officer is a cooperative program that utilizes a uniformed police officer
within the school system. The first School Resource Officer (SRO) in Camrose originated in
1996 and has played a valuable role in being part of the school community. Funding for the
position is obtained outside of the Camrose Police Service budget to ensure that the SRO is
dedicated to the schools and not distracted by other needs of the police service. Funding for the
SRO is received from the City of Camrose, Battle River School Division and the Elk Island
Catholic School Division.
The School Resource Officer is a specialized position within the Camrose Police Service. Since
August of 2013 this role has been filled by Cst. Kelly Bauer. The SRO frequently gets referred to
as the “DARE officer”. Although facilitating the DARE program to students is one aspect of the
position, there are other aspects to the SRO role. A second function of the SRO is to be a
“resource” to the schools in assisting the school administration in ensuring a safe and caring
place of learning for students and staff by balancing enforcement with prevention. A third
function of the position is to interact with students increasing the visibility and accessibility of
Police while building relationships with students and being a positive role model.
The DARE Program
D.A.R.E. is an acronym for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. The D.A.R.E program has
demonstrated leadership in the prevention of drug abuse and promotes a “no use” drug message.
The D.A.R.E. curriculum continues this commitment in preventing drug use by developing basic
or core skills needed for making safe and responsible choices. The D.A.R.E. program strongly
believes that if you can teach youth to make safe and responsible decisions, this will guide them
to healthy choices not only about drugs but in other areas of their lives. Drug related facts and
information are woven into the program to ensure students are aware of the dangers of drug use.
As they grow to be responsible citizens, they will lead healthier and more productive drug-free
lives.
The D.A.R.E officer remains the key to delivering the D.A.R.E curriculum. Officers are vital in
making the lessons come to life while playing an incredibly positive role for students. The
following officers volunteer their time to instruct the D.A.R.E program and are a positive
influence in the lives of students.
Cst Kelly Bauer, Program Coordinator, Instructor
Sgt. Scott Sveinbjornson, Instructor
Cst. Russell These, Instructor
Cst. John Fernhout, Instructor
Cst. Mark Cossette, Instructor
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SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER/D.A.R.E. PROGRAMS
Each of the elementary and junior high schools in Camrose were involved in the D.A.R.E.
program. A total of approximately 600 students participated in the D.A.R.E. program; 200 grade
3 students, 200 grade 6 students, and 200 grade 8 students.
Grade 3 students receive six classes of DARE instruction, including topics such as personal
safety, drug awareness, dealing with emotions and bullying. In the final class students each
receive a personalized certificate representing their completion of the program.
Grade 6 students receive ten lessons. The first lesson starts with responsibility and introduces
decision making. Subsequent lessons apply these skills in increasing complex ways involving
drug use and other choices they face in their lives. Making decisions while thinking about the
risks and consequences, while dealing with stress and peer pressure, the importance of effective
communication all add to the complexity of sound decision making. It is D.A.R.E’s vision that
youth who think their way through situations make better choices that are not impulsive, will be
drug free and will be more successful in all areas of their lives.
At the conclusion of the grade 6 program, students write what is known as the D.A.R.E essay.
The essay is a personal initiative in making safe and responsible choices. This provides feedback
as to their knowledge and understanding of the course content and how they will personally
apply this new knowledge in their lives. Following completion of the program students are
rewarded for their success in the program with a D.A.R.E. graduation held at Duggan theatres.
After a movie and lunch sponsored by local businesses students receive certificates from
dignitaries at an award ceremony.
Grade 8 students also receive 10 lessons with a Keepin’ it Real theme based on the acronym
R.E.A.L.(refuse, explain, avoid, leave). These four main refusal strategies are explored enabling
students to get out of tough situations involving drugs, violence and peer pressure. This new
program comes with a homework booklet that challenges the students to apply the information
they learn in class to their daily life.
The D.A.R.E. program was designed to and continues to represent a large percentage of the
health curriculum required by Alberta Learning at the grade levels where D.A.R.E is taught.
The materials and training aspects of the D.A.R.E. program itself are funded by numerous local
businesses and private individuals. Major sponsors of the program are Zetsen Homes, A-1
Rentals, Evraz, Battle River Equipment and Meridian Manufacturing Inc.
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SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER/D.A.R.E. PROGRAMS
A Resource to Schools
As the name School Resource Officer implies, the SRO is a” resource” to the schools in
whatever capacity is required. Working cooperatively with school administrators, staff and
students, the SRO answers questions, listens to concerns, addresses problems and assists in
finding solutions.
In 2014 being a resource to the school community has taken many shapes and forms. The SRO
has addressed concerns over issues such as bullying by speaking directly with involved students
and parents and by speaking with specific classrooms where teachers have voiced concerns. In a
more proactive role the SRO conducted presentations at school assemblies addressing the topic
of bullying. In these presentations bullying is clearly defined to students and also challenges the
bystander in a bullying situation to take action.
The less enjoyable part of the SRO role is dealing with negative occurrences. When specific
problems arise within or outside the school, school administration contacts the SRO to assist.
Issues such as truancy, social media issues, vandalism & mischief, break & enter into school
property, theft, fights and conflict, threats, assaults, child custody issues, child safety concerns at
home, sex related and drug related incidents are situations that the SRO has been involved in.
When a specific student’s behavior is recognized as a potential threat to a school, the SRO sits on
a panel of stakeholders and contributes information in a student risk assessment.
Proactively the SRO conducted bike safety presentations to all kindergarten to grade 9 students.
This was not a small task and required cooperation from the schools to hold student assemblies
where bike safety principles were presented. The presentations were well received by students
and positive comments were made by staff and parents. A bike safety presentation will be
conducted again in 2015.
The SRO also assists all schools in completing lock-down drills. The lockdown drill is evaluated
by the SRO, other available police officers as well as members from the fire department. Over
the years of practicing lockdown drills schools have become very proficient. After the evaluation
of the drill the SRO provides school administration with a summary of the results and challenges
them with ways of fine tuning the lockdown drills to make them even more successful. The SRO
is also working with each school in the completion of an emergency lockdown document. This
document will gather information in a standardized format and will be held at the Police service
in the event of an emergency situation.
2014 Annual Report
-17-
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER/D.A.R.E. PROGRAMS
Building Relationships
The most positive and proactive component of the SRO role is building relationships with
students. The SRO position can be a very rewarding experience as friendships are developed
over time with students and staff. Students come from all different backgrounds and experiences
outside of the school environment. Their perception of a uniformed officer varies depending on
those life experiences. One of the goals of the SRO is to breakdown any barriers that may exist
while displaying a friendly, positive role model to students.
Building relationships is simply done by being visible within the school community and by being
interactive with students. Sometimes this is as simple as being in the school hallways at the start
of their school day, during breaks or at lunch time. It can also be serving food at breakfast clubs,
lunch or barbequing hamburgers on special occasions. It has also involved the SRO sitting in on
classes or accepting an invitation by students to a game of floor hockey, ping pong or game of
tag.
Activities that are outside of the school are very valuable in building relationships with students.
When the schedule allows, the SRO attends school field trips within or outside of Camrose.
Overnight outdoor education trips are extremely valuable in building relationships. Shared
experiences where students observe the SRO wearing plain clothes and participating beside them
in challenging outdoor activities is an opportunity for them to literally see the person rather than
the Police uniform. Enjoying experiences outside of normal day to day activities and by having
the SRO being part of those activities can build positive memories for students.
The annual Augustana canoe trip sponsored by the Camrose Rotary Club is an ideal example of
how effective an outdoor trip can be in building relationships. The trip involves high risk
students from PACE school most of whom have personally or have had family members make
choices that have had legal consequences. These students do not view their experiences with
Police as being positive.
So what happens when you place a SRO beside these same high risk students on a seven day
canoe trip down the North Saskatchewan river from Nordegg to Rocky Mountain House?
Relationships are developed. The SRO who they previously viewed as a uniformed authority
figure with some degree of fear or even hatred for evolves over the seven day trip. Time spent
with students on such a trip breaks down barriers and builds up relationships. PACE students
have life lasting, positive memories of the annual canoe trip. When the SRO is part of those
memories, students have a more positive view of the SRO which hopefully changes their view of
Police.
2014 Annual Report
-18-
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER/D.A.R.E. PROGRAMS
Summary
By teaching the D.A.R.E. program, by being a resource to schools and by building relationships
with students the ultimate goal of the SRO program is to make a positive impact now and in the
future of our next generation.
2014 Annual Report
-19-
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER/D.A.R.E. PROGRAMS
Submitted By:
Cst. Kelly BAUER
School Resource Officer
2014 Annual Report
-20-
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Public Complaint Director
Camrose Police Commission
Legal Services
Chaplain
Chief
Deputy Chief
Administration
Provincial Secondment
EIIU
Staff Sergeant
Operations
School Resource
Officer
Cst.
Community Peace
Crime Prevention/
Community Relations
Cst.
Officer
Traffic Section
Cst.
Patrol
Sergeant
CBPT 1
Patrol
Sergeant
CBPT 2
Photo Radar
Section C.P.O
Executive Assistant
PROS Manager
Communications
Manager
Civilian
Standards
and Property
Management
Civilian
Court Liaison
Civilian
Communications
E-9-l-l Centre
Civilian
Major
Crimes Unit
Sgt.
Patrol
Sergeant
CBPT 3
Patrol
Sergeant
CBPT 4
Criminal
Investigation
Team
Crime
Analyst
Civilian
Guards
Front Counter
Civilian
2014 Annual Report
-21-
Crime
Reduction
Team
2014 FAST FACTS ABOUT THE
CAMROSE POLICE SERVICE
 Provide 24/7 Policing Services to the City of Camrose
 Camrose Population (2014 Municipal Census) – 18,038
 Authorized 2013 Complement – 31*
*
*
*
*
Chief of Police
1
Deputy Chief
1
Staff Sergeant
1
Sergeants
5
Constables
23
includes these externally funded positions
1 – School Resource Officer – funded by the community and school divisions
1 – Provincial Secondment – funded by A.L.E.R.T.
2 – Police Officers – funded by the Alberta Solicitor General Public Safety
 Police to Population Ratio – 1/623 or 160/100,000
 Provided Police services in over 14,000 reported incidents
 Completed 1,771 Criminal Investigations
 Seized 715 grams of Cocaine, 4,196 grams of Marihuana and 365 grams of
Methamphetamine, 8,700 millilitres of GHB and $50,000 in cash
 Seized illegal narcotics totaling $197,500.00
 Completed 756 Traffic Collision Investigations
 Utilized Photo Radar Enforcement to enhance traffic safety throughout the year
 Operates a prisoner holding facility 24/7
 Managed 776 prisoners through the lock-up
 Authorized civilian staff - 17
 Provide 24/7 E-911 Call Answer Services to the City of Camrose and Camrose County
 Provide 24/7 Dispatch Services to the Camrose Police Service, Camrose Fire Service, and
9 Camrose County Fire Departments
 Received more than 7105 E-911 calls.
 Have more than 40 volunteers contributing time and energy to our ongoing programs,
boards and community projects
2014 Annual Report
-22-
SERVICE RECOGNITION & AWARDS
Constable Cartier, Constable Kuster, Constable These, Community Peace Officer Struz,
Community Peace Officer Weber and Dispatcher Angela Hall received the City of Camrose 5
year recognition pins.
Analyst Fowler received the City of Camrose 25 year recognition pin.
Chief Kambeitz and Deputy Chief Foreman were appointed as Commissioned Officers by the
Honorable D.S. Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.
Staff Sergeant Marcinkowski received the Kiwanis “Top Cop” award recognizing his community
involvement.
Constable Wilton received a “Letter of Acknowledgement” for planning and participating in
another successful “Free the Finest” fund raiser for Special Olympics.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Formal complaints investigated - 9
Investigations resulting in sanctions - 2
Formal compliments – 15
2014 Annual Report
-23-
BUDGET
2014 OPERATIONAL EXPENDITURE
Materials,
Goods &
Supplies 9%
Contracted &
General
Services 5%
Personnel
Compensation
86%
Personnel Compensation
Contracted & General Services
Materials, Goods & Supplies
The 2014 Operating Budget $6,030,000.00 approved by Council for the Police Service is
highlighted by percentages in the above graph.
2014 Annual Report
-24-
BUDGET
2014 OPERATIONAL FINANCING
Provincial
Grants 10%
Service Fees &
User Charges
6%
Fine Revenue
15%
Tax Supported
69%
Fine Revenue
Provincial Grants
Service Fees & User Charges
Tax Supported
The 2014 Operating Budget $6,030,000.00 was financed as indicated by percentages in the
above graph, with $4,140,000.00 being tax supported.
2014 Annual Report
-25-
OCCURRENCE STATISTICS
CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
% Difference 2013
to 2014
MURDER
ATTEMPTED MURDER
CONCEAL DEAD BODY/CHILD AT BIRTH
TOTAL HOMICIDE
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
2
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0%
0%
0%
0%
ROBBERY WITH FIREARM
ROBBERY WITH OFFENSIVE WEAPON
OTHER ROBBERY
TOTAL ROBBERY
0
2
1
3
0
3
0
3
1
2
1
4
0
1
1
2
1
1
2
4
N/C
0%
100%
100%
SEXUAL ASSAULT WITH WEAPON
SEXUAL ASSAULT
ASSAULT LEVEL 1
ASSAULT LEVEL 2
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT LEVEL 3
ASSAULT ON POLICE
OTHER ASSAULTS
DISCHARGE FIREARM
TOTAL ASSAULTS
0
8
130
29
1
2
1
0
171
0
9
173
31
1
10
2
0
226
0
12
154
27
3
4
4
0
204
0
15
137
33
2
9
2
0
198
0
12
114
26
2
6
1
0
161
0%
-20%
-17%
-21%
0%
-33%
-50%
0%
-19%
0
7
3
3
3
0%
HOMICIDE
ROBBERY
ASSAULTS
OTHER SEX OFFENCES
2014 Annual Report
-26-
OCCURRENCE STATISTICS
CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS (Continued)
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
% Difference 2013
to 2014
0
0
3
0
0
0%
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0%
0%
0%
ARSON - DISREGARD FOR LIFE
0
0
0
1
0
-100%
KIDNAPPING
0
0
0
0
1
N/C
EXTORTION
1
0
0
1
0
-100%
CRIMINAL HARASSMENT
40
58
36
29
29
0%
UTTERING THREATS
83
103
75
93
65
-30%
TOTAL CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
298
398
325
327
263
-19%
ABDUCTIONS
ABDUCT PERSON UNDER 14
ABDUCT CONTRAVENING CUSTODY
ORDER
ADBUCT - NO CUSTODY ORDER
TOTAL ABDUCTIONS
* Denotes years in which category information was not captured
*N/C = Not Calculable
2014 Annual Report
-27-
OCCURRENCE STATISTICS
CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY
BREAK AND ENTER
BUSINESS
RESIDENTIAL
OTHER
TOTAL BREAK AND ENTER
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
AUTO
TRUCK
MOTORCYCLE
OTHER
TOTAL THEFT OF MOTOR
VEHICLES
THEFT OVER $5000
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLES
SHOPLIFTING OVER $5000
OTHER THEFT OVER $5000
TOTAL THEFTS OVER $5000
THEFTS UNDER $5000
BICYCLE THEFTS
THEFTS FROM MOTOR VEHICLES
SHOPLIFTING UNDER $5000
OTHER THEFTS UNDER $5000
THEFT OF UTILITY
TOTAL THEFTS UNDER $5000
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
% Difference 2013
to 2014
23
27
23
73
22
36
29
87
16
30
42
88
18
28
38
84
11
31
27
69
-39%
11%
-29%
-18%
6
10
1
6
8
13
0
14
5
8
2
12
9
12
1
12
8
18
2
9
-11%
50%
100%
-25%
23
35
27
34
37
9%
0
0
4
4
2
0
6
8
2
0
7
9
0
1
7
8
1
1
7
9
N/C
0%
0%
13%
27
132
37
173
0
369
29
168
43
173
0
413
36
157
41
210
0
444
31
112
46
163
2
354
23
95
57
127
2
304
-26%
-15%
24%
-22%
0%
-14%
2014 Annual Report
-28-
OCCURRENCE STATISTICS
CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY
(Continued)
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
% Difference 2013
to 2014
354
344
261
281
248
-12%
ARSON - DAMAGE PROPERTY
8
6
6
2
4
100%
POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY
73
47
69
106
55
-48%
12
88
0
0
2
3
105
3
93
0
0
2
3
101
3
86
0
2
0
2
93
14
70
0
1
0
1
86
10
86
0
0
0
1
97
-29%
23%
0%
-100%
0%
0%
13%
1009
1041
997
955
823
-14%
PROPERTY DAMAGE OVER/UNDER $5000
FRAUDS
CREDIT CARD
FRAUD
PERSONATION
FORGERY
UTTERING
COUNTERFEITING - POSSESSION/UTTERING
TOTAL FRAUDS
TOTAL CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY
2014 Annual Report
-29-
OCCURRENCE STATISTICS
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
% Difference
2013 to 2014
20
4
118
37
3
121
0
0
63
0
0
23
2
122
36
2
89
0
0
50
0
1
21
3
92
31
2
106
0
0
53
2
0
28
1
101
49
5
163
0
0
81
0
2
49
0
89
29
3
207
0
0
78
1
0
75%
-100%
-12%
-41%
-40%
27%
0%
0%
-4%
N/C
-100%
366
325
310
430
456
6%
OTHER NON OFFENCES
PEACE BOND
BREACH OF PEACE
3
117
5
149
2
153
4
158
6
222
50%
41%
GRAND TOTAL OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES
1793
1918
1787
1874
1771
-5%
OTHER CRIMINAL CODE
WEAPONS OFFENCES
TRESPASS - NIGHT
DISTURB THE PEACE
OBSTRUCTION/RESIST POLICE
INDECENT ACT
BAIL VIOLATION
ESCAPE CUSTODY
PRISONERS UNLAWFULLY AT LARGE
BREACH OF PROBATION
CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
VOYEURISM
TOTAL OTHER CRIMINAL CODE
OFFENCES
Denotes category not existing during the year due to addition or deletion
* N/C = Not Calculable
2014 Annual Report
-30-
OCCURRENCE STATISTICS
DRUG OFFENCES
COCAINE POSSESSION
COCAINE TRAFFICKING
METHADONE POSSESSION
PRODUCTION OF MARIHUANA
MARIHUANA POSSESSION OVER 30 G
MARIHUANA POSSESSION UNDER 30 G
POSSESSION OF CANNABIS RESIN- SCH VIII
TRAFFICKING HASHISH LESS THAN 3 KILOS.
POSSESSION OTHER SCHEDULE I DRUGS
(Morphine, Meth, etc.)
MDA TRAFFICKING
MARIHUANA TRAFFICKING OVER 3 KG
MARIHUANA TRAFFICKING UNDER 3 KG
CANNABIS RESIN - TRAFFICKING VII
POSSESSION OF PSILOCYBIN
PSILOCYBIN TRAFFICKING
METHAMPHETAMINE TRAFFICKING
POSSESSION OF OTHER SCHEDULE III DRUGS
(Ecstasy, Methamphetamine & Psilocybin, etc.)
TRAFFICKING OF OTHER SCHEDULE III DRUGS
(Ecstasy, Methamphetamine & Psilocybin, etc.)
TRAFFICKING OF OTHER SCHEDULE I DRUGS
(Morphine, etc.)
TRAFFICKING OTHER SCHEDULE IV
(Valium, etc.)
*PROCEEDS OF CRIME (Drug Offences)
TOTAL DRUG OFFENCES
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
% Difference
2013 to 2014
10
14
0
0
7
92
3
0
13
15
0
3
7
120
0
0
8
26
0
0
4
110
2
0
17
26
0
0
2
148
1
0
28
30
0
0
4
146
2
0
65%
15%
0%
0%
100%
-1%
100%
0%
2
0
0
17
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
5
0
3
0
1
4
0
0
7
0
1
0
0
16
1
0
11
0
0
0
4
44
0
0
8
0
1
1
16
175%
-100%
0%
-27%
0%
N/C
N/C
300%
3
2
3
1
7
600%
7
2
4
2
4
100%
0
4
0
1
3
200%
0
12
1
9
0
5
0
8
1
28
N/C
250%
167
189
174
238
323
36%
*offence no longer captured under Possession of Stolen Property Category
2014 Annual Report
-31-
OCCURRENCE STATISTICS
PROVINCIAL ACTS
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
% Difference
2013 to 2014
CHILD WELFARE
37
13
21
40
36
-10%
CORONERS ACT
21
14
12
16
22
38%
GAMING & LIQUOR ACT
458
553
453
470
531
13%
MENTAL HEALTH ACT
140
146
164
162
178
10%
OTHER PROVINCIAL STATS
26
31
15
13
10
-23%
PROVINCIAL ENVIRONMENT LEGISLATION
10
8
5
9
11
22%
SUMMARY CONVICTION ACT
66
87
81
96
89
-7%
TRESPASS ACT
23
15
34
27
31
15%
MUNICIPAL BYLAWS
561
695
725
907
857
-6%
NOTE:
These offences are all Provincial legislation acts and do not fall under federal criminal legislation.
They have been included in this report to illustrate some of the main areas the Police Service deals with in
conjunction with criminal and traffic related offences.
2014 Annual Report
-32-
OCCURRENCE STATISTICS
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
% Difference
2013 to 2014
Impaired Driving/Over 80 mg%
Fail/Refuse to Provide Breath Samples
Driving While Disqualified/Prohibited
Dangerous Operation of a M/V
Roadside Suspension
TOTAL
93
12
9
8
143
283
97
16
20
21
140
294
86
11
13
23
103
236
81
19
21
28
62
211
57
6
22
15
30
130
-30%
-68%
5%
-46%
-52%
-38%
PROVINCIAL TRAFFIC OFFENCES
Fail to Stop/Remain at Accident
Drive With Undue Care & Attention
Driving While Disqualified
Moving Traffic Violations
Non-Moving Traffic Violations
Insurance Charges
Parking Violations
Written Warnings
TOTAL
11
13
28
6187
1097
59
175
7
7577
11
11
17
5395
878
29
135
7
6483
10
12
29
10,346
981
24
89
61
11,552
21
7
33
8384
872
42
52
148
9559
13
14
21
9087
744
31
88
45
10,043
-38%
100%
-36%
8%
-15%
-26%
69%
-70%
5%
MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISIONS
Fatal
Non-Fatal Injury
Property Damage - Reportable
Property Damage - Non-Reportable
0
42
425
337
2
43
556
128
0
36
567
123
0
48
557
106
0
41
599
107
0%
-15%
8%
1%
751
35
684
43
676
34
670
46
747
42
11%
-9%
CRIMINAL CODE TRAFFIC OFFENCES
TOTAL MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISIONS
TOTAL PERSONS INJURED
** The 2013 Traffic Analysis identified that the City of Camrose Collision Database has been inaccurately capturing statistical information. Considerable time and effort was
dedicated to tabulate statistics manually to ensure accuracy. In 2014, with the assistance of the City of Camrose I.T. Department, a revamped data base was created to ensure
accurate tabulation of statistics in 2014 and future years.
2014 Annual Report
-33-