CRIMINAL CODE OFFENCES DOWN IN CAMROSE

Camrose police officers investigated 2,668 criminal code offences in 2003
according to the Camrose Police Service annual report released last week.

Two hundred and seven of the offences were against persons, while 1,094
were offences involving property.

The number of offences that fell into the "other criminal code" category,
totalled 1,307.

Those included property damage under $5,000, property damage over $5,000,
bail violation, uttering threats, breach of probation, breach of peace,
disturbing the peace, counterfeiting and arson.

The total number of criminal code offences was down by 162 from the 2,830
recorded by the police service in 2002.

"From our crime analysis, we believe that the reduction in the total number
of criminal code offences is partly directly related to the drug
enforcement we have been doing," said Chief of Police Marshall Chalmers.
"We know if we can hinder the ability of people to buy drugs we will have
less of a problem with all the other crimes that they feel they need to
commit to sustain their drug habits. Supporting a habit like that costs a
lot of money, and the people using the drugs need the funds to obtain them.
And the most common and easy way to do that is through theft."

Drug Offences

The Camrose Police Service also investigated 207 drug related offences,
including cocaine possession and cocaine trafficking, possession of
marihuana over 30 grams, methaphetamine trafficking, and production of
marihuana.

"In general, people in the community need to know that we are not going to
decrease our enforcement strategies for either usage and or trafficking,"
said Chalmers. "In fact, they can expect we are going to increase our
efforts. Drug enforcement is one of the top priorities in our police service."

Criminal Code Traffic

Total number of criminal code traffic offences in 2003 was 294.

One hundred and fifty eight of the offences involved the impaired operation
of a motor vehicle, while 88 involved driving with a blood alcohol content
of more than .08.

Sixteen involved a person refusing to take a breath test.

"Our members are on continuous patrol, out there, looking for impaired
drivers," said Chalmers. "We have publicly stated that we will be
sustaining our efforts in this area through check stops and regular
patrols. People simply need to get the message that impaired drivers will
not be tolerated."

Provincial traffic offences totalled 8,792, of which 8,241 involved other
moving traffic and 271 other non-moving traffic.

Total number of motor vehicle accidents was 513, of which 406 had
reportable property damage over $1,000.

Provincial offences excluding traffic totalled 1,050, of which 611 involved
the provincial liquor act, 113 the summary conviction act and 100 the
family relations act.

Service Recognition

Sergeant Corbett received the Alberta Long Service medal for 25 years.

Constable Hamilton and Constable Bennett received service bars for 15 years
and five years of service respectively. Executive secretary Laura Boettger
received a 25-year City of Camrose service pin.

Sergeant Corbett, Detective Blumhagen and Constable Ferguson were issued
the Camrose Police Service Award of Merit for their contribution to the
Service.

Police Strength

The Camrose Police Service to City of Camrose population ratio is 1 to 683
(based on a total city population in 2003 of 15,669.

That's more than the Canadian average police to population ratio of one to 532.

Total authorized strength of the Camrose Police Service, including the
chief, inspector, sergeants, detectives, corporals, constables, stenos and
dispatchers is 33.

"We had an exodus of staff members in 2003 which left a huge hole, but we
have now been able to get our replacements back on the street after
extensive recruit training in Edmonton," said Chalmers.

The Camrose Police Service covers an area of 3,209 hectares, including
streets, lanes and walking trails.

Vehicles include three patrol units, one traffic unit, two unmarked units,
one motorcycle, one crime prevention unit, one school resource officer
unit, one prisoner transport unit, one antique police unit, two mountain
bikes, one forensic unit, and one photo radar unit.

Crime Prevention

The Crime Prevention unit, headed by Constable Grant, was busy throughout
the year with displays at the annual trade show at the Camrose Regional
Exhibition, the Health Fair at the Senior Centre and office tours for
various school and youth groups.

Presentations were also given to youth groups on bicycle safety, street
safety, internet safety and school bus safety. As well, all the crime
prevention groups were actively visited.

School Resource Officer and D.A.R.E. programs

The largest grade six graduation in the six-year history of the D.A.R.E.
program was held in March.

The School Resource Officer was a participating member of the Battle River
Drug Response task force committee. The officer also made a number of
presentations to students, parents, teachers and community officials about
the dangers of new emerging drug trends such as crystal methamphetamine and
other dangerous drugs.

Accreditation

This month, the Camrose Police Service is again endeavouring to
successfully complete another review of all aspects of the police service
by Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (C.A.L.E.A.)
assessors. This is the fourth accreditation award for which the Camrose
Police Service is vying.