Starting in the new year, an Olds RCMP officer will have a new role – providing more police-related education in schools.
Staff Sgt. Joe Sangster, the commanding officer of the Olds RCMP detachment, made the announcement during a presentation to Bowden town council Dec. 14.
He said that officer will be Const. Hannah McKee.
“She's a fantastic person,” Sangster said.
“Her role is going to be working with schools because I want to see a little more education from my office,” he said.
“We're doing well with enforcement but I want to see a little more education from my office and presentations to the schools – that sort of thing.
“If there's a problem in the community I want somebody to get in there immediately and address it. So that's also going to be on her plate,” Sangster added.
“Also, there's going to be an enforcement part of the role in my expectations for her so she may be doing some work with our crime reduction team. We're going to play that by ear.”
Sangster said currently, McKee is in Edmonton taking training on the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistant Education) program so she can impart knowledge from it to students.
Coun. Wayne Milaney asked Sangster if Olds RCMP are conducting any “formalized visits” to Bowden Grandview School.
“No, because our primary focus is call for service and manpower is always an issue. So to book an appointment, it's tough,” Sangster said. “Now, do we get lots of requests? Yes. And do we attend? Yes. We were just up here last week.”
Milaney said RCMP officers are also welcome to show up at places like the Igloo Ice Arena in Bowden.
“You're welcome; just stop at the rink any time,” he said.
“We'd love to do more of that,” Sangster said, but added again, it's difficult, given manpower constraints, etc.
"We're doing well with enforcement but I want to see a little more education from my office and presentations to the schools – that sort of thing."STAFF SGT. JOE SANGSTEROLDS RCMP COMMANDING OFFICER
