Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
Jasper RCMP provided a report for the final quarter of 2022 to municipal council during its regular meeting on Feb. 7.
Sgt. Rick Bidaisee, detachment commander for Jasper RCMP, provided an update on Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) upgrades in the Alberta RCMP鈥檚 operational communication centres.
鈥淭he Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has mandated the replacement of the current Enhanced 9-1-1 service in Canada with NG911,鈥� Bidaisee wrote in the report.
鈥淭his change will enhance public safety communications in an increasingly wireless society and will fundamentally change 9-1-1 and emergency services operations as it exists today.鈥�
The evolution of NG911 future improvements are expected to include 9-1-1 real-time text by spring 2024, further location improvements and the potential to communicate with 911 operators via video call.
鈥淎s early adopters of this transition to NG911, the Alberta RCMP鈥檚 lead in modernizing public safety communications demonstrates our commitment to the safety and security of all Albertans,鈥� Bidaisee added.
The report noted how Jasper had seen an increase in property crimes as it pertains to catalytic converter thefts.
Another concern was the access and breaching of mailboxes and the attempted break and enter to the post office.
The post office investigation identified a suspect through FIS, confirming the suspicion of 鈥渢ravelling criminal elements committing crimes of opportunity鈥� that did not reflect on local residents.
Police also noted reductions in calls for service pertaining to domestic violence.
鈥淭he community continues to voice their appreciation and acknowledgment for their local RCMP and related emergency services agencies,鈥� the report stated.
鈥淭he Detachment Commander has engaged our Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) which is [of] no cost to Jasper Detachment and will be working with them the next quarter on initiatives.鈥�
Police continue to get significant calls for traffic infractions and collisions, with some of the challenges attributed to Jasper being situated in a national park, compounded by two major highway corridors transecting the park.
鈥淧olicing visibility is the most effective avenue in addressing the majority of the calls for service,鈥� the report stated.
鈥淎 high percentage of calls for service result in the complainants indicating a stronger enforcing presence will definitely aid in addressing most of the issues. Media education does not target the international, national and provincial tourism sector, nor does it target the commercial driving community.鈥�
The report added how the trucking industry played a significant role in the majority of these calls, particularly in the wildlife management corridors with reduced speed limits.
The return of a dedicated traffic unit was noted as likely the most viable and effective solution.
The Hinton detachment has received a new Mental Health PACT position that will assist neighboring units to address mental health challenges.
During the quarter, the Crown鈥檚 decision to not pursue criminal charges for the icefield bus rollover was made public.
The report added how Jasper members worked closely with RCMP Major Crimes and Occupational Health and Safety on this file.
