High Prairie Peace Officer

The High Prairie Community Peace Officer department employs two full-time Peace Officers. All members are on staff to patrol the Town of High Prairie. The Peace Officer Department is available to the general public between 08:30 -16:30 hours most days and can be assessed by telephone by dialing (780) 523-3388. The duties performed by the Peace Officer's are diverse and public service oriented. The secondary level of policing allows for a direct, proactive approach to Law Enforcement concerns across the Town.

The Peace Officer Department continues to provide a broad range of duties and services to the residents and visitors of the Town. Departmental duties and responsibilities are reviewed annually by Town Council. A regular review allows administration to ensure the resources are properly directed or focused on areas of concern. The establishment of operational priorities is based primarily on concerns that have been brought forward through Municipal Council, by the general public, and local police services.

Working together with the municipal government, local R.C.M.P., and other law enforcement agencies, The Peace Officer Department strives to keep abreast of the issues and concerns. This is done through Crime Prevention, public education/relations, preventative patrols, traffic enforcement and road protection initiatives. The department's high profile (visibility) throughout the Town forms a very important component to Peace Officer Department crime prevention strategy.

Proactive, preventative patrols during all hours of the day and night undoubtedly contributes 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's are active in the education of our youth regarding safety. Presentations are done in several schools within our community.

Department Overview

The Peace Officer is responsible for the investigation and enforcement of Municipal Bylaws, Provincial Statutes, investigations of business licenses and damage of Town of High Prairie property, and insuring proactive policing. As a Peace Officer, the overall duty is to protect people and property and to preserve and maintain the public peace.

Responsibilities - Public Safety

As a Peace Officer appointed under the Alberta Police Act, enforce the following eight (8) Provincial Statutes and regulations:

    - The Traffic Safety Act

    - The Provincial Procedures Act

    - The Gaming and Liquor Act

    - The Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act

    - The Dangerous Dogs Act

    - The Animal Protection Act

    - The Stray Animals Act

    - The Petty Trespass Act

    - Dangerous Goods Transportation and Handling Act

When applicable, authority to enforce the Criminal Code is restricted to arresting, detaining and transporting impaired drivers and executing warrants, or acting under the direction of the R.C.M.P.

As the Peace Officer appointed under the Municipal Government Act, enforce Municipal bylaws including: Traffic Bylaw, Noise Bylaw, Unsightly Premise Bylaw, Animal Control Bylaw, False Alarm Bylaw, Smoking Bylaw, Fire Ban Bylaw, Dangerous Goods Bylaw, Business Licenses Bylaw, Land Use Bylaw, Fighting and Intimidation Bylaw, Curfew Bylaw, Sidewalk and Boulevard Bylaw.

In accordance with the Municipal Government Act, the Peace Officer is a Designated Officer. The Peace Officer time is to be equally divided between patrolling and enforcing.

Enforcing Duties Include:

    - Receiving complaints and inquiries

    - Investigation of Complaints

    - Advising responsible parties of infractions, and taking remedial actions and/or following enforcement procedures

    - Advising responsible parties of infractions and laying of charges if founded

    - Prepare all necessary documents for prosecution of offenders including summons, subpoenas, witness statements, and court briefs, etc.

    - Assist Town personnel in dealing with bylaw infractions such as Snow Removal and Garbage Pick-up

    - Educating and/or prosecuting violators.

    - Administer the Municipal Government Act Regulations for the disposal of lost property (ie: Bike Auctions)

Business Licensing

Investigate business activities in the Town to ensure compliance with Municipal Bylaws.

Other Duties

    - Assist R.C.M.P. as requested

    - Prepare monthly report

    - Prepare annual operating budget

    - Assist in public safety programs (Bike Rodeo, Check Stops)

    - Prepare bylaw enforcement records for Protective Services Committee

    - Liaise with the Protective Services Committee

    - Preparation and revision of municipal bylaws

The Peace Officer is a statutory position of the Municipal Government Act for the purpose of ensuring compliance with Municipal Bylaws. Appointment as a Peace Officer under the Alberta Police Act allows the incumbent to enforce Provincial Statutes.