WESTLOCK – Westlock RCMP are turning the spotlight over to the public for the next three weeks, asking them for feedback on any local policing concerns and issues, to provide tips or ideas, or just to ask questions to help shape the approaches the detachment takes in 2022.
Staff Sgt. Al Baird said due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, hosting a public meeting to gather feedback isn’t possible, hence the call-out to the public — responses will be accepted until Jan. 14, 2022.
“It’s all a part of the transparency we want to provide so people have a way to give input and have their voices heard … it’ll be similar to the survey we did last year. Although we didn’t get a huge response from that, we’re going to try this again as really there’s no other way to do it due to COVID,” said Baird Dec. 22.
“It can be a question. Maybe it’ll be a suggestion or it could be an issue or concern.”
Baird said gathering public input, beyond getting feedback from elected municipal officials which is ongoing is “essential in helping Westlock RCMP with additional strategies in order to detect crimes and deter possible offenders.” Baird said the responses will then be compiled and they’ll respond to them in a media release.
“We have an idea of what’s happening the community, but maybe someone has an issue that hasn’t been raised before? Maybe it will be frauds, or someone may ask why we can’t keep guys in jail,” he continued.
“It’s the same thing I say at the council meetings — we want people to report stuff and tell us what’s happening. Plus, we’re looking at planning for the next fiscal year. So, if the public are seeing things, maybe we can work those in and possibly build initiatives to address them.”
Responses can be sent via e-mail to [email protected] or by regular mail to the RCMP Westlock Detachment at: 10807-104 Avenue, Westlock, AB, T7P-1B3.
