RCMP in Grande Prairie now have more power to help local businesses. Crime Prevention has brought in a program that lets officers act on behalf of a business owner, if they sign up.
“It allows the officers to be able to take members out without actually having specific biker or motorcycle gang paraphernalia on themselves,” says Community Enhancement Facilitator Kristi Lea. “Whether they’re wearing their stuff or not wearing their stuff, if they know they’re associated with any type of gang they’re able to evict them from the premises.”
The program doesn’t just address known gang members. RCMP can remove anyone who is violating the province’s Trespass to Premises Act and Petty Trespass Act.
It was adopted from a program that’s been run by Edmonton Police Service for several years. The businesses that are a part of it are identified by a sticker posted by their entrance, letting mounties know they’re involved.
“Edmonton has seen great success with this program and that’s why we decided to adopt it here in Grande Prairie,” Lea says. “Edmonton has the opportunity for multi-unit residential complexes, apartments, hotels; they utilize it in all those industries.”
So far, 20 lounges and bars in Grande Prairie have signed up, including all that are involved in the Best Bar None program. Lea says they hope to open it up to other restaurants in the future, and then apartment and condo buildings so they can act on behalf of a landlord to remove unwanted guests.
Any businesses looking to get involved or for more information are encouraged to contact Grande Prairie Crime Prevention.