The Grande Prairie RCMP, along with bylaw and County of Grande Prairie Regional Enforcement Services officers will be available to answer questions from the public as part of an hour-long virtual town hall on February 8th.
Grande Prairie RCMP Constable Lindsay Ralph says while events like this have happened in the past, specifically with the RCMP, she believes the upcoming chat will offer up insight into strategies and priorities of law enforcement in the area to those living in rural sections of the region.
“They’ll also be able to explain the roles of enforcement officers, bylaw officers, and of course the RCMP,” she says. “Although it’s virtual, everyone participating with have an opportunity to ask any questions they may have.”
Ralph says rural crime prevention remains an ongoing issue for the detachment and holding virtual, or in-person events can give police an inside look into what residents face daily.
“It’s a constant role of all these departments to focus on the prevention of crime in their areas, and to develop strategies in order to try and diminish the amount of crime occurring,” she notes. “We want to hear from residents to know the things they’re dealing with and the things they’re seeing in their community.”
Cst. Ralph says it will also be a great reminder for residents as to which organization can help them in different scenarios. She adds, however, if there is an emergency, it’s always best to call 911, but it may not be required in some instances.
“If a resident is unsure of who can help them, they can certainly phone the non-emergency line of the RCMP, and we can either assist or point them in the right direction,” she adds.
The meeting is slated to take place on February 8th from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Zoom, and anyone interesting in registering can do so on the County of Grande Prairie website.