Community Peace Officer Program
The Community Peace Officer provides a broad range of duties and services to the residents and visitors of the Municipality. Departmental duties and responsibilities are reviewed annually by Administration and Council. The establishment of operational priorities is based primarily on environmental scanning and continual liaison with internal and external agencies such as the Police Advisory Committee, Citizens on Patrol, Municipal Council, the general public, and local police services.
By working collectively with the municipal government, local R.C.M.P., and other law enforcement agencies, the Peace Officer Division strives to keep abreast of the issues and concerns in the Crowsnest Pass. This is done through Crime Prevention, public education/relations, preventative patrols, traffic enforcement and road safety protective initiatives. The Community Peace Officer’s high visibility throughout our community forms a critical component to our Community Peace Officer crime prevention program.
Proactive, preventative patrols during all hours of the day and night with our local RCMP and Citizens on Patrol members undoubtedly contribute to the deterrence of crime in our community. The Peace Officer Department also participates in community awareness programs, which invites members of the communities to become involved in identifying and solving problems, answering questions, addressing concerns, or expanding on ideas that may prevent crimes or enhance the safety of our streets and community. In addition the Peace Officer is active in the education of our youth regarding safety. Presentations are done in our elementary and secondary learning institutions throughout the year. The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass employs one full time Community Peace Officer (CPO).
Investigation Process
To start an investigation, a formal complaint can be filed online at https://crowsnest.omnigo.one/CESIReportExec/olr/OLRMain.aspx?IsAuth=1&groupid=102, by phoning the Municipal Office at 403-562-8833 during regular business hours, Monday to Friday from 8:30am - 4:30pm. After hour complaints can be filed by calling (403) 562-2021, however please note there may be a 24 hour delay before your complaint can be processed. Should you need immediate attention please phone the RCMP. A proper investigation and follow-up will commence after your information is collected. We will require your name, address, and contact information and the nature of the complaint, such as:
- Date/ Time/ Duration of the event;
- What the event/ concern is;
- Location of the event/ concern;
- Specific information such as the description of the vehicle and a license plate, description of the animal (breed, colour), type of noise, etc.
At times, the investigating officer may need you to produce a signed statement and may need you to attend court. If this is the case, the investigating officer will inform you of this requirement and explain the process. Your personal information is kept in confidence and is essential to our investigations. The Freedom of Information and Protection Privacy Act governs the collecting and dissemination of all personal information. If you are required to be a witness in a court proceeding, your legal name may be released to the defendant.
When sufficient information is provided for the complaint, a file is then assigned to a peace officer for investigation. Due to ongoing investigations, emergency calls and scheduling of the peace officer, calls may take up to two business days to be processed.