Pubdate: Sun, 07 May 2006
Source: Camrose Canadian (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 Camrose Canadian
Contact:  http://www.camrosecanadian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2160
Author: Elaine Pennington, Editor

POLICE NOTICE CHANGES

Annual Report Indicates Officers Are Dealing With Violent Criminals,  
Drugs And Weapons On A Frequent Basis

It was a busy and challenging year for the Camrose Police Service.

A new records system was introduced in 2005, but police chief  
Marshall Chalmers admits that while it was a challenge compiling the  
statistics for the annual report the results should shock people into  
action.

Committed

"It was an awful busy year, but we remain committed to ensuring and  
protecting our community and incorporating all the different  
strategies that are available to combat crime. What should shock  
people is how much we miss (in the area of drug trafficking and use).  
We need the people to continue to help us fight this evil," Chalmers  
said.

Impact

Drug use and trafficking is having a major impact on several areas in  
the community and the police see it first hand. "There is an increase  
in the amount of violence and weapons offences that the members are  
dealing with. It is a concern. Let's face it when they (criminals)  
are bingeing on drugs they are just not thinking rationally and it  
really puts our people in harms way. They are trained and they have  
the tools, but it is a concern."

Whenever the public sees suspicious activity or drug use, Chalmers  
asks that citizens don't hesitate to call police immediately. "We  
need the public to be part of the fight to rid this community of drug  
trafficking. Mischief, vandalism, break ins, graffiti, thefts, they  
all in some way can all be traced back to drug use and trafficking.  
In the majority of cases, drugs are involved and compounded by drug  
use."

Factor

Chalmers said, drug use and alcohol abuse is also a factor in  
domestic violence and assaults.

Traffic

Public safety is a priority with the Camrose Police Service and that  
means the focus will always be on lower the speed in order to reduce  
the severity of injuries and the possibility of death in motor  
vehicle collisions.

Education

Education continues to be one area that the service is utilizing to  
increase seat belt use, ensure motorists make safe lane changes and  
not follow too close. "If you keep the speed down you reduce the  
risk," Chalmers said and that gives you more time to react when other  
motorists do make mistakes.

Heavy truck equipment violations continue to be a major issue in  
Camrose. "We are seeing that there are more trucks that just can't be  
on the road and we are working with our partners to monitor that.  
It's all about safety," he added.

Death

"We lost two people last year in accidents and it is a stark reminder  
that motorists need to be defensive drivers. Even in the best  
conditions, things happen with people running red lights, not  
stopping at stop signs - these mistakes cost lives. Look out for  
others and avoid distractions. We need motorists to pay attention to  
driving and reduce distractions. If somebody is on his or her cell  
phone his or her focus is not entirely on the road. Their ability to  
drive defensively and if necessary be prepared to take action is  
affected.

Increase

"Obviously with an increase in population there is an increase in  
traffic and you can expect there are more chances for accidents, that  
just makes sense."

However, Chalmers added, that does not mean accidents cannot be  
prevented.
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