By Geoff Smith

Efficiencies helping Battlefords RCMP increase visibility

Apr 25, 2016 | 11:41 AM

On the water, on two wheels or four, or on their own two feet, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are becoming more visible in the Battlefords.

With an expected increase in criminal activity in the warmer months, the police force is able to take advantage of new efficiencies to increase members’ hours on the street. Insp. John Sutherland, the detachment commander, said it’s all part of a commitment to provide excellent policing for the Battlefords.

“We look at new initiatives that we’ve got coming on like the ability for members to phone in their files to a dictation centre, to use their in-car terminals in an enhanced capability, and keep them out on the road and deploy within the community (for) more hours,” he said.

Sutherland said another efficiency that’s helping is the amalgamation of the city and surrounding rural area under the Battlefords detachment.

The inspector said these initiatives mean members can patrol the downtown area by foot. The warmer months will see bicycle and boat patrols as well and this will continue into the winter with more patrols by vehicle.

Rustlers Volleyball

Crusaders' Bell excited for next chapter with Lakeland College

2h ago

Nothing but Net

Vikings' standouts ready for national stage with Team Saskatchewan

4h ago

Missing person

Spiritwood RCMP searching for missing woman

7h ago

Sutherland said the process is already underway. He believed the changes are already being felt.

“We’re getting very positive comments from both the rural and the city area about increased visibility and the time members are spending on the roads,” he said.

The plan is part of the detachment’s strategic vision. An update was to be presented to North Battleford City Council Monday April 25.

gsmith@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @smithco