09-003484
Media Interest
2009-02-10 08:50
MEDIA NOTIFICATION
850-900 2 ST SE

Text Release Date and Time: 2009-02-10 08

AMEA Leadership Award

The Alberta Municipal Enforcement Association (AMEA) presented the Leadership Award to the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Section on February 5, 2009 at a joint conference between the Alberta Association of Community Peace Officers and the AMEA which was held in Red Deer.

The Leadership Award was presented by Alberta Attorney General Fred Lindsay and was received on behalf of the MHPS by Inspector Rick Wigle. Also in attendance were Community Peace Officer (CPO) Sergeant Fred Crittenden and CPOs Heather Rann and Tanya Jangula.

The AMEA presents the Leadership Award annually to an individual, association, agency or municipality for the creation and implementation of an outstanding and innovative program used to educate or serve the public in the field of law enforcement. The MHPS Municipal Bylaw Section received the award in recognition of their efforts in the past and present and for their willingness to respond to the needs of the community.

To address community concerns, the Section took three steps to better their service to the community. The first was the creation of the Bylaw Enforcement and Education Program (BEEP), where each month the section identifies one bylaw and provides extra public education through the media. Secondly they have become more proactive in all areas of enforcement. Thirdly they have initiated a call back procedure to ensure that complainants receive a call at the end of an investigation so they know what action was taken and why.

The Section consists of ten full time and two casual staff that have CPO Level I appointments and are responsible for the enforcement of municipal bylaws. The MHPS is unique in that the Bylaw Section is part of the Operational Services Section of the Police Service, which results in a close relationship and allows for the exchange of ideas and best practices. In addition to the enforcement duties the section has historically provided prisoner security to the MHPS and surrounding RCMP detachments as well as the service of documents. They also provide fingerprint processing services for the MHPS and one section member is responsible for the fulltime management of all exhibits for the MHPS.

To continue to meet the growing needs of the community, in March 2009 the Bylaw Section will be relieved from providing prisoner security, which will then allow for an enhanced focus on bylaw enforcement, education and awareness.

For more information about the Leadership Award contact:

CPO Heather Rann
AMEA Publicity Officer
Ph: 403-529-7366