Prince Albert Police Chief Jon Bergen with Police Commission Board Chair Sheryl Kimbley at the board's January meeting. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By paNOW Staff

Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners respond to violent crime in city

Oct 13, 2020 | 6:00 PM

The Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners held a meeting Tuesday morning to learn about what Chief Jon Bergen and the Prince Albert Police Service are doing to address multiple violent separate incidents, including two deaths and a drive-by shooting.

According to a media release, the board stated it supports the steps being taken by the Prince Albert Police Service to utilize resources to address the increase in crime.

Proactive prevention

As stated in the release, Chief Jon Bergen is committed to high visibility patrol by all police members to be proactive in prevention of crime.

The Prince Albert Police Service has announced a new crime suppression team. Members will be focused on gang activity, gun violence and property crime.

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The team will work in addition to the Integrated Crime Reduction Team, the Street Enforcement Team, the Police and Crisis Team and the Canine Section.

Board members wanted to give their thoughts and sentiments to everyone who has been injured or killed because of the recent violent crime. Members explained they’re committed to public safety.

“Any level of violence in our community is concerning to the board,” Chair Sheryl Kimbley said. “The board would like to reassure the public that as a Police Service, our members are working hard to identify and arrest those responsible for violent crime in our community. Our members are being diligent in various initiatives designed to prevent and suppress gang violence and recruitment.”

Chief grateful for efforts

Chief Bergen has been grateful for the long hours his staff have put in and the personal sacrifices they’ve made when the community needs them.

“Our police members, including front-line staff, police investigators and specialized members, remain committed to targeting crime and illegal activity in our community,” Bergen stated in the release. “They are working tirelessly to investigate and charge those responsible for threatening the safety of our community.

“These events are traumatic for families who have lost a loved one and for the community, and they weigh heavily on our police members.”

Board members ask residents to report any suspicious activity to police to help reduce crime in the city and to keep their properties locked.

The board will also continue to contact the provincial and federal government for funding to address gangs, crime and violence. It acknowledges the traumatic effect violence has on the residents and would like to thank members with the Prince Albert Police Service for investigating the violent crime.

“As a board, we support the safety and wellbeing of our members and value their dedication to the safety of others in our community” Kimbley said in the release.

Both Bergen and Kimbley will speak to media tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.

—

panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow