MEDICINE HAT POLICE SERVICE 2012 ANNUAL REPORT · PDF fileensure that officers are current on...
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MEDICINE HAT POLICE SERVICE 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
Transcript of MEDICINE HAT POLICE SERVICE 2012 ANNUAL REPORT · PDF fileensure that officers are current on...
MEDICINE HAT POLICE SERVICE
2012 ANNUAL REPORT
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
CHIEFADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS DEPUTY CHIEF
CHAPLAIN
OPERATIONAL SERVICES INSPECTOR
Exhibit/Property Control
K9
AHS Liason
Prisoner Security
HVRT
Forensic Identification Unit
Alcohol
Traffic Unit
Auxiliary
School Safety
Ceremonial Team
Firearms
Fleet Maintanence
TACT/EDU/TEC/Negotiators
Community Safety
Priority Street Crimes Unit
Family Crime Unit
Parking Monitors/Corps
SUPPORT SERVICES INSPECTOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPUTY CHIEF
Patrol TeamsOrganized Crime Section Administrative S/Sgt
Professional Standards Unit
Facility Management
Information Technology Section
Professional Development/Training Unit
Information Officer
Safety Management
Quarter Master Stores
Recruitment
Administrative Staff Sergeant
Information Processing Section
Safe Community Unit
Court Unit
Specialized TrafficEnforcement Unit
Victim Assistance Unit
Major Crimes Section
Municipal Bylaw Section
Message from Police CommissionMessage from Chief of PoliceOperational Highlights Calls for Service Bylaw Calls for Service Bylaw Charges / Tickets Issued Major Crimes Section Crime Clearance / Violent Crimes Against People Tickets Issued / Photo Radar Impaired Driving Motor Vehicle CollisionsBudgetHuman ResourcesService Recognition Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee MedalStatus of Internal Investigations Information Technology AdvancementsALERT Project AL-5110Feature Unit: Explosive Disposal Unit
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101112131516181920232526
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SERVING AND PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITY
WITH PRIDE THROUGH PROFESSIONAL AND
PROGRESSIVE POLICING.2
It is a great privilege to once again bring you greetings from the Medicine Hat Police Commission. As a Commission, we are proud to work with Chief McGrogan during a challenging economic time and are thankful to the men and women of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) who continue to provide excellent service to the community, exceeding standards and community expectations.
With the support of Council, this past year we broke ground on the building expansion project, which, once complete, will provide much-needed space for generations to come.
The 2012 Medicine Hat Police Service Annual report is filled with the usual statistics and accomplishments of which everyone at the MHPS should be proud. While we reflect on what took place in 2012, I would also encourage all of us to look to the future and continue to exceed our own personal and professional expectations.
On behalf of the Commission, I would also like to thank former Vice Chair Lyle Walsh for his five years of dedicated service. During his time on the Commission, Mr. Walsh was always very determined in ensuring that the operation of the MHPS met the needs of the community.
I hope that you enjoy reading the 2012 Medicine Hat Police Service Annual Report.
Ryan Jackson, ChairMedicine Hat Police Commission
From L to R Vice Chair Rolf Traichel, Mr. Lyle Walsh, Chair Ryan Jackson, Alderman Ted Clugston, Alderman Jeremy Thompson
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MESSAGE FROM THE MEDICINE HAT
POLICE COMMISSION
It is my privilege to present the Medicine Hat Police Service 2012 Annual Report. The year 2012 was yet another busy one, filled with many accomplishments as we continued to restructure our organization to best meet the demands of a busy and vibrant city.
Together our civilian and sworn staff, along with our many dedicated community volunteers, made Medicine Hat a safer place in which to live, work and play.
We perennially have one of the highest crime clearance rates in the province due to an excellent response and investigative approach to crime in our community. The newly formed Priority Street Crimes Unit
(PSCU), in partnership with Patrols, have enhanced safety in the community by taking
an aggressive, proactive approach to enforcing offender accountability, accomplished by
monitoring individuals out on court-ordered release conditions. Our Major
Crimes Section was challenged with several violent crimes that required investigative skill and
expertise in bringing the perpetrators to justice. In 2012, we realigned some of our operational units to allow for the addition of a sergeant in the Intelligence Unit and adjusted their mandate to better serve the community.
Our community has asked that we make road safety a priority. Our Traffic, Patrol and Specialized Traffic Enforcement Units have worked tirelessly to maximize the safety of our roads through proactive enforcement and education. A total of 56,789 violation tickets were issued in 2012 and 427 offenders were charged with drug and alcohol-related driving offences.
As we look to the future, we continue to look for new and innovative ways to serve our community through continued strategic planning, solutions through technology and social media communications, but mostly through the continued training and development of our most important asset, our people.
Andy McGroganChief of Police4
MESSAGE FROM THE
CHIEF OF POLICE
THE YEAR 2012
5
In conjunction with Patrols, the PSCU provided increased offender accountability enforcement. Monitoring individuals out on court-ordered release conditions, the MHPS was able to proactively prevent reoffending, which resulted in a significant, positive community impact. This intensive focus resulted in more criminals being remanded in custody or aware their compliance with conditions was being monitored, which helped to reduce crime in the community as reflected in calls for service.
In 2012, the PSCU coordinated over 350 offender accountability checks on individuals released with conditions and charged 101 of them with nearly 140 various charges resulting from breaching these conditions. Additionally, PSCU charged 139 individuals in relation to property-related offences, resulting in 448 various charges being laid and over $957,000 worth of property and drugs recovered.
Calls for Service
6
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
35,000
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
34,421 34,818
31,948
7,489 7,7656,817
All Call Types
Bylaw
2010 2011 2012
Maintaining community property standards is always a priority for the MHPS and enforcement is a responsibility shared between Patrols and the Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Section. The Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Section experienced a similar decline in calls for service as they attended 12% fewer complaints as compared to 2011. The two most notable contributors was a 4% decline in citizen complaints combined with a 42% decline in officer-initiated complaints. It should be noted, however, that the Bylaw Section experienced staff shortages throughout the year, equivalent to over one and a half full-time positions.
Bylaw Calls for Service
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OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
1970
1284
21952188
1007
n/a
1354
2488
1298
983
52 34
1414
Responsible Animal Ownership
Property Standards
Traffic
Noise
Public Behaviour
Other/Miscellaneous
2010
2239
1017
1690
1154 1189
2011 2012
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
All areas of bylaw enforcement saw a reduction in complaints this year, except noise complaints, which were up 17% from 2011 and aggressive animal complaints, up 11% from 2011. On a very positive note, property standards complaints received from the public decreased 23% in 2012 compared to 2011. Bylaw staff continue to approach resolution on these matters in a firm but fair manner, emphasizing the issuance of Unsightly Property Orders, which more than doubled from 2011 (59 in 2011 to 136 in 2012).
Bylaw Charges / Tickets Issued
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OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Responsible Animal Ownership
Property Standards
Traffic
Noise
Public Behaviour
Parking
Other/Miscellaneous
8500
8000
7500
7000
6500
6000
5500
5000
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
02010
514298
6760
84 n/a n/a 157599
278
2355
66 21
8104
564 564379
1266
65 8
5613
112
2011 2012
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Major Crimes SectionThe Major Crimes Section (MCS) remains committed to investigational excellence in their pursuit of resolution of the communities most serious criminal acts. Some of the operational highlights over the past year include:
• In January 2012, the MCS successfully concluded a May 2011 homicide investigation with the arrest of two local females. One has since pled guilty and been sentenced while the second is set for a 2013 trial date.
• In March, members of the MCS investigated an officer-involved shooting in Yellowknife, at the request of the RCMP.
• In April, MCS concluded a very disturbing break & enter and sexual assault that occurred in August 2011, with the arrest of a male in New Brunswick. That accused is working his way through the court system.
• In June, the MCS investigated the disappearance of local nursing student, Amy Lewis. Although her body has yet to be found, extensive efforts resulted in the arrest and charge of a local male with second-degree murder.
• At the end of August, MCS became involved in an apartment fire in which an elderly female was found deceased. Her death has been determined to be a homicide. The investigation has identified suspects but arrests have yet to be made.
• The MCS dealt with an abduction and serious assault in October. All accused have been identified and charged.
• Also in October, MCS investigated a murder/suicide in which a 44-year-old male was shot by a 54-year-old male, before turning the gun on himself.
• In November, an explosion occurred in an apartment building in a suite where two adults and a young child lived. MCS investigation revealed the explosion was the result of a clandestine lab processing Cannabis Marijuana into Cannabis resin. One of the adults received serious burns and charges have been laid.
• In addition to the above, the MCS investigated numerous fraud complaints and charged a number of individuals
for offences in excess of $200,000. Home invasions, stabbing and robberies were also successfully concluded and those responsible were charged.
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
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OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Crime Clearance(Source: Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics)
Once again, the crime clearance rate of the MHPS remains consistently among the highest in the province. Investigational excellence is a service priority and clear expectations have been set regarding the need for thorough, complete and timely investigations to be completed. Supervisors ensure that officers are current on report writing and investigational policies and procedures. Training is provided to improve skills as required and officers are held accountable when performance does not meet this high standard.
A disturbing trend is the increase in assaults and other violent violations, including a 25% increase in the number of family violence-related calls. In a high percentage of the assault and other violent violations files, drugs and/or alcohol are considered to be aggravating factors. To successfully address these complex social issues will require community partners to work together towards solutions. The MHPS strongly supports the need for an alcohol and drug detox treatment facility to be built in our community.
Violent Crimes Against PeopleCrimes Causing Death
Attempted Murder
Assault
Sexual Assault
Robbery
Other Violent Violations
500
400
300
200
100
02010
2 1
449
396
5822
174
2 0
77
17
157
424
3 0
71
12
171
2011 2012
6257 58
40 42
63 6259
40
48
62 6359
39
52
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Medicine Hat
Taber
Lethbridge
Calgary
Edmonton
2009 2010 2011
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OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
2010 2011 2012
Vehicles Monitored 972,945 1,040,677 1,132,811
# of Violators 47,303 50,463 49,973
Violations Issued 40,597 44,317 43,538
Average Speed 14 km/h 14 km/h 14 km/hover Limit
45,000
40,000
35,000
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
40,59744,317
11,39713,090
Photo Radar
Officer
2010 2011 2012
43,538
13,251
Although the number of vehicles monitored by photo radar significantly increased as compared to 2011, the number of violations issued decreased. The average speed over the posted limit remained at 14 km/hour. This is a positive indicator, as it would appear that drivers in the community are getting the message about the dangers of speeding. The number of officer-initiated tickets also slightly increased over the previous years as Patrol teams provided a more directed effort focused on road safety priorities.
Tickets Issued
Photo Radar
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OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Another resounding road safety success story for our community is the fact the number of impaired driving-related charges has decreased for the second year in a row. Impaired driving remains a year-round service priority of the MHPS but the number of charges laid for impaired driving and refusing to provide a breath sample, as well as the number of 24-hour suspensions issued all decreased last year.
Impaired Driving
375
427
3827
201
144
282
26
119
Impaired
Refusal
24 Hr Suspension
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
02010 2011 2012
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OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
During the month of December, the MHPS partnered with local CP Rail Police, Canadian Military Police, RCMP and Alberta Sheriffs to hold check stops throughout the city, in conjunction with the Medicine Hat chapter of Mothers against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Alberta Motor Association (AMA). Throughout the holiday season, sober drivers were rewarded for making the responsible choice with tickets to Medicine Hat Tigers hockey games sponsored by the AMA. The considerable efforts spent relaying the message about the dangers of impaired driving seem to be hitting the mark as more drivers in our community are making the responsible choice and realizing many options exist and there are no excuses for driving impaired.
One area of concern is the 16% increase in motor vehicle collisions over the previous year. It is likely that higher traffic volumes contributed to the increase in collisions and a positive note is that fewer injury collisions were reported.
Motor Vehicle Collisions In late December, a decision was made for the MHPS to partner with Accident Support Services International Ltd. (ASSI) in the operation of a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC), which is expected to open in the new year. The Medicine Hat CRC will provide improved service to the public offering a streamlined process for reporting property-damage vehicle collisions. With the addition of the CRC there also comes access to the analytical software Collision Management & Road Safety Solution (CROMS). The aim of using this new software program is to become more intelligence-led in our policing efforts as it pertains to road safety in Medicine Hat.
CROMS is a data management and records management tool that will assist MHPS traffic safety investigators in interpreting collision statistical data. The MHPS Traffic Unit will be able to immediately analyze data for results-driven road safety initiatives as they target problem areas with proactive education and enforcement efforts.
1418
767
1751
1110
461490
149 1902
1655
1160
362
13120
MVC Total
MVC Damage
Hit & Run
MVC Injury
Fatality
2000
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
02010 2011 2012
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OUR VISION IS TO OPTIMIZETHE SAFETY AND SECURITYOF OUR COMMUNITY
Funding
Expenditures
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BUDGET
Total $22,710(in thousands of dollars)
Total $22,710(in thousands of dollars)
Tax Supported$15,048
Government Grants$2,729
Other Revenue (Misc)$491
Bylaw Sale of Goods & Services$175
Benefit Recovery$142
Fine Revenue$4,125
Salaries & Benefits$17,893
Other Personnel Costs$601
Contracted Services$1703
Materials and Supplies$1095
Internal Charges$1223
Interest and Amortization$195
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EngagementsMembersConstable Tyler Risling
--
Exemplary Service MedalsAlberta Law Enforcement Long Service AwardSergeant Timothy Schottner--Police Exemplary Service MedalSergeant Stacey Kesler--MHPS 10 Year MedalSergeant Michael FischerSergeant Jason GrahamSergeant Paul Taylor--
City of Medicine Hat Milestones30 YearsSharon BodinTannis Henchel-RothVonda MoreauJoyce Waite--25 YearsDeputy Chief Richard WigleConstable Sandy Mahon--20 YearsRod OpalinskiBarb Oveson--15 YearsStaff Sergeant Joseph WestSergeant Randy TeelCPO Norm Hammel--
PromotionsMembersStaff Sergeant Darcy BrandtSergeant Todd HodginsSergeant Ryan Thorburn
HUMAN RESOURCES
10 YearsSergeant Michael FischerSergeant Jason Graham Sergeant Paul TaylorSergeant Carissa WitkowskiSergeant Byron WitkowskiCPO Heather Trail--RetirementsStaff Sergeant Don GirlingStaff Sergeant Jack LemireConstable Sandy Mahon--
Civilian StaffBill MacDonaldSusan Pomreinke
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee MedalChief Andy McGrogan, Deputy Chief Richard Wigle, Inspector Tim McGough, Inspector Glen Motz, Staff Sergeant Brent Secondiak, Staff Sergeant Darcy Fox, Constable Clarke White, Ms. Karen Teare
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Authorized Strength
Gender Demographicsof Police Officers
Years of Service
Medicine Hat Police Service Staff
HUMAN RESOURCES
115
101
115
014
Authorized
Male
Actual
Female
2-4 years20
20 + years12
10-19 years37
5-9 years39
Less than 2 years7
Civilian Employees25
Contract Employees3
Relief7
Auxiliary Police Officers5
Police Officers115
Community Peace Officers9
Victim Assistance Volunteers 52
Inspectors Compliment of Cst. Ross, Cst. Harper and Sgt. Klick
On February 14, 2012 Patrol Cst. Ross arrested a male for Breaching Probation, Obstruction and an outstanding warrant from another jurisdiction. Given the male’s criminal history and obscure explanations, it was suspected he was in Medicine Hat for a criminal purpose. Acting on his suspicions, Cst. Ross continued to gather information supporting his belief and had Patrol Cst. Harper conduct surveillance on the suspect upon his release from Remand. He was observed to engage in suspicious behaviour and when confronted, provided a false name. A search revealed a number of credit cards in another person’s name. Sgt. Klick, of the Major Crimes Section, assisted in obtaining search warrants, which recovered evidence supporting over 70 charges being laid against this accused ranging from credit card forgery, fraud, theft and identity theft. The accused was involved in an elaborate credit card scheme, committing offences across western Canada.
This investigation is an excellent example of teamwork and coordination between Patrol Teams and the Major Crimes Section. The Police Service recognizes the investigational excellence, dedication, creativity and commitment demonstrated by each of these members.
SERVICE RECOGNITION
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From L to R Sgt. Klick, Cst. Harper, Cst. Ross
Created in 2012 to mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country. At the same time, this commemorative medal served to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. During the year of celebrations, 60 000 deserving Canadians were recognized.
The following individuals were nominated for their service and commitment to the MHPS and the citizens of Medicine Hat: Chief Andy McGrogan, Deputy Chief Richard Wigle, Inspector Glen Motz, Inspector Tim McGough, Staff Sergeant Brent Secondiak, Staff Sergeant Darcy Fox, Constable Clarke White and Ms. Karen Teare.
Medal DescriptionThe obverse depicts a crowned image of the Sovereign, in whose name the medal is bestowed.
The reverse marks the sixtieth, or diamond, anniversary of the accession to the Throne of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The anniversary is expressed by the central diamond shape, by the background composed of a pattern of diamonds, and by the two dates. The Royal Cypher consists of the Royal Crown above the letters EIIR (i.e., Elizabeth II Regina, the latter word meaning Queen in Latin). The maple leaves refer to Canada, while the motto VIVAT REGINA means “Long live The Queen!”
The ribbon uses a new arrangement of the blue, red and white colours found in the 1953 Coronation Medal, the 1977 Silver Jubilee Medal, and the 2002 Golden Jubilee Medal.
The design of the medal was developed by the Canadian Heraldic Authority. The medal was manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint at their Ottawa facility.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II DIAMOND JUBILEE MEDAL
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STATUS OF INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS
The Service investigates complaints received from the public as well as those that are initiated internally. The Professional Standards Section is responsible for investigating complaints against the MHPS and its members in a fair, thorough and unbiased manner. Their mission is to safeguard public trust and confidence in the Service, while resolving all complaints of policy, service delivery and employee conduct in a timely manner.
The following statistics represent the status of formal complaints initiated within 2012.
There were 26 formal complaints initiated in 2012. The disposition of these complaints is as follows:
• 6 are in abeyance or still under investigation/review.
• 2 were abandoned.
• None were a loss of jurisdiction.
• 7 were formally withdrawn.
• 3 were successfully mediated.
• 2 were found not sustained.
• 6 were found sustained.
In the six cases that were found to be sustained, three were matters generated internally and three were generated externally. They were dealt with as follows:
• 5 Dispositions not of a serious nature disposed of under Section 19.
• 1 Involved a Peace Officer who was disciplined under the Peace Officer Act.
While there has been a lot of scrutiny and concerns raised over the police disciplinary scheme, the statistics for our Service would suggest that the system is working. There have been very few appeals, suggesting complainants have confidence in the investigations and dispositions.
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STATUS OF INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS
Police Act Dispositions by Year
2010 2011 2012
Formal Complaints 30 29 26
Misconduct Sustained 5 5 6
Appeals Filed to Law 1 0 0Enforcement Review Board
CORE VALUES INTEGRITY BEING HONEST AND ETHICAL
RESPECT ACKNOWLEDGING, ACCEPTING AND VALUING OURSELVES AND OTHERS COURAGE DOING THE RIGHT THING IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY
ACCOUNTABILITY ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR ACTIONS
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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENTS
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Information Technology (IT) advancement provides the Service an ongoing opportunity to leverage developments to increase efficiency and effectiveness in all our operational activities. With the 2011 strategic plan that saw increased resourcing in the IT section, the Service was able to focus on the development and implementation of several initiatives in 2012 that realized exponential returns. These developments aligned with the vision of providing increased and timely service to the community.
After a pilot program, the Service implemented full electronic disclosure to the Provincial and Federal Crown Prosecutors, as well as the City Solicitor for Bylaw matters. The initiative allowed a totally paper-based system to be transformed and delivered to prosecutors in an electronic fashion. Enormous efficiencies followed, including ease in redaction, streamlining of process, better auditing functionality, a colossal saving in the amount of paper used, increased productivity of human resources and speedier delivery and review of the prosecution package, which can lead to more-timely dispositions.
The year saw the implementation of many web-based thin client solutions for police and Bylaw; the solutions delivered consisted of the Bylaw Records Online (BYRON) utilities. A File Vault for secure transmission of sensitive documents and Document Management was established.
BYRON is a web-based program, created in house by the IT Section, which allows remote access to pet licensing information to assist in the quick identification of animals and their owner. Staff members also have the ability to make any necessary changes to the pet and owner records in the field, including the addition of email addresses. Having email contact information allows the MHPS to electronically notify owners of license renewals, resulting in a significant cost savings. The system also allows for
>>
more-effective enforcement and education with previous warning information being available at members’ fingertips. The ability to facilitate online license payment is planned for the near future.
The rollout of remote access to City utility information to the vehicles, much like the animal licensing system, has created human resource efficiencies in the areas of retrieving information on property owners and occupants. It has also eliminated the need for 9-1-1 Communications staff to retrieve the information and relay it, either via the radio or electronically, to the Community Peace Officers. This system has proven to be particularly helpful in assisting with document service duties. Many of the persons we deal with are transient in nature and subpoenas for witnesses may be issued several months or years after an offence takes place. Having access to these utilities makes a huge improvement in tracking their movements to a valid location.
The Service also migrated all its IT servers to a virtualized platform, creating high availability and redundancy. The process sees numerous physical servers being virtualized and then placed onto a small cluster of identical servers that have various back-ups.
With the increased complexity of the criminal justice system and the ongoing and mandated training requirements, the Service recognized the need to decrease training travel and developed an in-house E-learning capability that can occur in or out of the classroom and is self paced.24
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENTS
Partnerships are vital to our service delivery model and they have proven to be extremely successful, especially when police agencies work together to tackle organized crime issues in the province. The Medicine Hat Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) is an integrated team of Medicine Hat Police Service and RCMP members, which was established and is partially funded by the Government of Alberta’s Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT). The mandate of ALERT is to bring together the province’s most-sophisticated law enforcement resources and tools to investigate serious crimes like drug trafficking, gangs and child exploitation. Over 400 municipal police, RCMP and Sheriffs currently work for ALERT.
On May 28, 2012, CFSEU-Medicine Hat, in partnership with the Brooks detachment of the RCMP, concluded a large-scale drug trafficking investigation in Brooks and Medicine Hat. During the three-month operation, investigators targeted an organized crime group believed to be trafficking drugs in the area. Search warrants were executed simultaneously on five residences in the town of Brooks and two in the city of Medicine Hat. As a result, 21 people, all residents of Brooks and Medicine Hat, were arrested and charged with a total of 168 Controlled Drugs and Substance Act and Criminal Code offences. Investigators were very pleased with the outcome of the operation as they knew that these arrests would have a significant impact on the drug supply to the area.
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ALERT PROJECT AL-5110
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The Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) has been in existence since 1982 when the Service’s first Police Explosive Technician was trained. The unit is now composed of four members, two Police Explosive Technicians and two Police Explosive Technician Assistants.
The unit is equipped to respond to reports of found explosives, military ordnance or improvised explosive devices. Due to the close proximity of Medicine Hat to Canadian Forces Base Suffield, there have been several occurrences of found military ordnance and other objects of concern over the past 30 years. In 2012, the unit responded to five calls for service, one involving a 40 lb jar of black powder and a homemade cannon and two involving found military ordnances. The other two calls came in from members of the public who thought they had found improvised explosive devices in wooded areas that turned out to be geo-cache containers. A member of the EDU had an opportunity to speak with the local geo-cache club and explained the importance of, while having fun with their hobby, ensuring they do not create containers that could be mistaken for an explosive device.
A new ScanX Scout portable x-ray machine was purchased in 2012 to replace the outdated Inspector x-ray system. The state-of-the-art ScanX machine has the ability to x-ray and create a digital image of a suspicious package, eliminating the need for expensive consumable supplies such as film. The ScanX also
FEATURE UNIT: EXPLOSIVE DISPOSAL UNIT
has other useful applications such as during fire investigations and finding hidden compartments in vehicles. This past year, the British military donated four Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) response suits, worth approximately $1,200 each, for use in chemically hazardous environments.
Members of the EDU team require extensive training to stay current with materials, techniques and procedures and they share their knowledge with other members of the police and fire services through a two-day basic training course.
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FEATURE UNIT: EXPLOSIVE DISPOSAL UNIT
FACEBOOK.COM/MHPOLICETWITTER @MEDHATPOLICE @CHIEFMCGROGAN @MHPSTRAFFIC @MHPSBYLAW
MEDICINE HAT POLICE SERVICE--
Ph: 403.529.8400--
--Facebook: www.facebook.com/mhpolice
Twitter: @medhatpolice--
884 2nd Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8H2
