POLICE NOTICE CHANGES

Annual Report Indicates Officers Are Dealing With Violent Criminals,
Drugs And Weapons On A Frequent Basis

It was a busy and challenging year for the Camrose Police Service.

A new records system was introduced in 2005, but police chief
Marshall Chalmers admits that while it was a challenge compiling the
statistics for the annual report the results should shock people into
action.

Committed

"It was an awful busy year, but we remain committed to ensuring and
protecting our community and incorporating all the different
strategies that are available to combat crime. What should shock
people is how much we miss (in the area of drug trafficking and use).
We need the people to continue to help us fight this evil," Chalmers
said.

Impact

Drug use and trafficking is having a major impact on several areas in
the community and the police see it first hand. "There is an increase
in the amount of violence and weapons offences that the members are
dealing with. It is a concern. Let's face it when they (criminals)
are bingeing on drugs they are just not thinking rationally and it
really puts our people in harms way. They are trained and they have
the tools, but it is a concern."

Whenever the public sees suspicious activity or drug use, Chalmers
asks that citizens don't hesitate to call police immediately. "We
need the public to be part of the fight to rid this community of drug
trafficking. Mischief, vandalism, break ins, graffiti, thefts, they
all in some way can all be traced back to drug use and trafficking.
In the majority of cases, drugs are involved and compounded by drug
use."

Factor

Chalmers said, drug use and alcohol abuse is also a factor in
domestic violence and assaults.

Traffic

Public safety is a priority with the Camrose Police Service and that
means the focus will always be on lower the speed in order to reduce
the severity of injuries and the possibility of death in motor
vehicle collisions.

Education

Education continues to be one area that the service is utilizing to
increase seat belt use, ensure motorists make safe lane changes and
not follow too close. "If you keep the speed down you reduce the
risk," Chalmers said and that gives you more time to react when other
motorists do make mistakes.

Heavy truck equipment violations continue to be a major issue in
Camrose. "We are seeing that there are more trucks that just can't be
on the road and we are working with our partners to monitor that.
It's all about safety," he added.

Death

"We lost two people last year in accidents and it is a stark reminder
that motorists need to be defensive drivers. Even in the best
conditions, things happen with people running red lights, not
stopping at stop signs - these mistakes cost lives. Look out for
others and avoid distractions. We need motorists to pay attention to
driving and reduce distractions. If somebody is on his or her cell
phone his or her focus is not entirely on the road. Their ability to
drive defensively and if necessary be prepared to take action is
affected.

Increase

"Obviously with an increase in population there is an increase in
traffic and you can expect there are more chances for accidents, that
just makes sense."

However, Chalmers added, that does not mean accidents cannot be
prevented.