By Taylor MacPherson

Police share ideas at Midtown Neighbourhood Watch Forum

Jun 23, 2017 | 12:00 PM

Concerned Midtown residents had an opportunity to discuss crime-reduction plans with city police last night at a community forum held at the John M. Cuelenaere Public Library.

More than 50 people attended to share their ideas with Police Chief Troy Cooper, Inspector Jason Stonechild, Ward 3 City Councillor Evert Botha and Neighbourhood Watch President Peter John. Prince Albert Northcote MLA Nicole Rancourt was also in attendance.

Cooper explained the police base their patrols on the data collected, but said it requires citizens to help by reporting any suspicious or criminal activities. 

“We don’t mind just looking or just checking. Suspicious stuff is okay to call in,” Cooper said. “We have challenges in Midtown, but those challenges aren’t insurmountable.”

Stonechild, a 24-year veteran of the Prince Albert Police Service, explained the rights of citizens to make an arrest or use force to stop a crime in progress, but cautioned attendees against taking the law into their own hands. Although someone making a citizen’s arrest is protected under the Criminal Code, Stonechild said it is always risky to approach a suspicious person and advised simply informing the police instead.

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“I don’t expect you to chase somebody down,” he said.

Criminals tend to dwell in the darkness, Stonechild said, and they often disappear as soon as they realize they are being observed. Things like motion-activated lights and neighbourhood watch signage can be highly effective deterrents for property crime.

The best way citizens can contribute to community safety is by keeping an eye out for anything suspicious, or something that looks out of place, and informing police, Stonechild said. Officers on patrol might not know every street as well as long-time residents.

The view was echoed by Botha, who said everyone can contribute to community safety without putting themselves in danger.

“We’re not here to take over the work of the police,” Botha said. “We’re here to become better neighbours.”

Botha, a Midtown resident himself, said he hopes other neighbourhoods notice the public enthusiasm for the Midtown Neighbourhood Watch and start similar programs in their own areas. He encouraged anyone interested in creating a program to contact their city councillor directly for support.

The group heard concerns from the crowd on topics including the presence of sex-trade workers, graffiti, gangs, litter, back-alley traffic and derelict properties. Botha noted the city offers paint vouchers to allow citizens to paint over graffiti, and Cooper ensured the audience that the city’s bylaw officers are very active in enforcing property maintenance regulations.

Taylor.macpherson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TMacPhersonNews