The Community Policing Unit is putting a higher focus on being highly visible while also attempting to limit direct contact with the public. (paNOW Staff/ Michael Joel-Hanson)

By Ronald Quaroni

Change Of The Beat

PAPS Community Policing Unit shifts their role

Apr 7, 2020 | 11:57 AM

With school’s closed and face to face interaction being discouraged the Prince Albert Police Service’s Community Policing Unit (CPU) is adapting to changing times forced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Obviously our role has changed,” Sgt. with the CPU Troy Dumont told paNOW. “Our foot patrol has kind have been limited as well because we are trying to socially distant our guys from different people and keep them healthy.”

It doesn’t mean they are not in involved in community work. Dumont noted officers are shifting to a more proactive policing approach, staying highly visible in high-crime areas while also keeping a close eye on residential and business properties.

“We know that crime doesn’t stop in the community and we see that daily,” he explained. “We do a lot of driving around, that visible presence does reduce crime believe it or not.”

Sgt. Dumont said the increased vigilance on properties has not been requested by anybody, but has been a way for the service to help reduce crime.

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“We want to show that police presence and show that we are still out there supporting our community and trying to keep our community safe,” he explained.

One concern Dumont mentioned is social distancing.

While most are taking social distancing seriously, he said there are still people not following the rules or unaware they exist.

“We have to remind some people, what to do, how to act,” Dumont noted.

Residents may notice officers sporting new protective gear.

“We have supplied our members with the proper safety equipment such as N95 masks. We have 3M masks and filters. We try and provide hand sanitizer as best we can. If you do see any of our members out in the community wearing masks, it’s just for their safety,” he said.

According to Dumont it can be a struggle for officers who work on the front lines and who go home to their families at the end of the day.

“Our members are committed to what they are doing,” Dumont said. “Not only do we serve the community, but we are part of the community, so we do care (about) what we are doing.”

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Ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni