Mayoral candidate Josh Morrow gives a drone demonstration to journalists at the Alfred Jenkins Field House Thursday. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

Civic election

Morrow’s plan to reduce crime includes drones, increased community involvement

Oct 22, 2020 | 5:37 PM

Mayoral candidate Josh Morrow promised new measures to reduce crime including a fleet of police drones and a ‘Little Deputies Program’ for school children at a press conference Thursday.

Morrow’s four-point safety and security plan also calls for improved neighbourhood watch groups and changes to the police management and administration, along with the Board of Police Commissioners.

Introducing the idea for the “Prince Albert Air Support Service” which would consist of five police drones, Morrow said it was important to focus on technology and look at “out of the box” ideas to improve public safety. He explained the drones could track criminals and also patrol problem areas like the Rotary Trail.

“If the criminals think that they can hide on a rooftop, the drone will find you in a second,” he said. “If they’re hiding in a place that maybe a police car can’t find, the aerial picture will absolutely locate them.”

Asked about privacy concerns, Morrow said most citizens want more efficient and effective policing like the drones would deliver.

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“This has absolutely nothing to do with spying on residents,” he continued. “This is specifically to deter criminal activity and if the criminals feel that they can outrun us… that will come to an end.”

Morrow pilots a drone. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

Most drones are prohibited from flying in Prince Albert due to the proximity of the airport, but Morrow said the city would work with Transport Canada to ensure all rules were followed.

He also wants to see an increased focus on neighbourhood watch groups.

“We can’t just completely rely on the police department alone,” he said. “I really believe that if we can encourage and support people who really do have a passion and desire to see our crime rate lowered and contribute to the safety of our community, I think they need to be involved.”

In another idea aimed at increasing community involvement, Morrow called for a ‘Little Deputies Program’ that would see him visit every classroom in the city from kindergarten to Grade 12 during his first year in office. The program is part of an open door policy for youth Morrow plans to implement so young residents of Prince Albert know “they’ve got a mayor’s who’s really on their side.”

Finally Morrow said police management and administration, as well as the Board of Police Commissioners needed to be set up for success not failure, but did not offer particulars on how he would change things.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom