Latest news with #communitypolicing
CBC
3 days ago
- General
- CBC
Public engagement shapes Edmonton police commission's search for a new police chief
Social Sharing Edmonton's police commission has launched its national search for a new police chief after asking Edmontonians to share their priorities for the future head of the city's police service. After former police chief Dale McFee announced he would be retiring, the commission appointed two interim chiefs, Devin Laforce and Warren Driechel, in February. A job ad for the position was posted Monday on a leadership recruitment company's website. Chair Ben Henderson said the commission, which provides governance and oversight of the Edmonton Police Service, hopes to recommend someone to city council before the October election. Henderson said the commission conducted about 30 interviews with individuals and groups, inside and outside EPS, to find out what people want from a new police chief. The commission also examined the results of two surveys — one run by the research company Leger and another by the City of Edmonton. Henderson said commissioners feared the engagement would reveal differing opinions between groups, but instead similar desires emerged: reducing crime, committing to community-based policing, increasing accountability, improving officers' wellness and collaborating with others. "Ultimately, I hope that process is going to make people feel like this is their chief and that they've had a hand in that selection, and hopefully we can get someone that they feel is theirs," he said. The future police chief will lead an organization with approximately 2,000 sworn officers and 1,000 professional staff. McFee held the role since 2019. The job posting says the successful candidate's first-year deliverables include developing a plan to address social disorder, delivering a fiscally responsible budget submission and building strong relationships with city council, the provincial government and other groups. Strengthening trust with marginalized communities and modernizing service delivery are among the role's "key accountabilities." "I think really building a good relationship with the rank and file within the service and getting their trust is a huge piece of what a chief's job has to be, and it's not always easy, and I think the other one is creating really going strong relationships with all those groups that you have to work with," he said. Bryce Jowett, president of Civic Service Union 52, said the union's members who work in civilian positions for EPS want a police chief who will lead with respect and transparency. He said members are looking for recognition, mental health and wellness support, work-life balance and flexible work arrangements.
CTV News
4 days ago
- General
- CTV News
‘We need to make sure we get it right': Police commission looking for new Edmonton police chief
While former Edmonton police Chief Dale McFee takes on his new role as deputy minister of Alberta's executive council and head of the Alberta Public Service, a search for a new chief is now underway. Ben Henderson, chair of Edmonton's Police Commission (EPC), said the hunt for a permanent chief will be more extensive than what they've done in the past. The commission conducted multiple surveys and more than 40 in-person engagement sessions with interested parties and community members to find out what kind of chief the city needs as it enters a new era. 'What was really encouraging was that what we heard was a lot of agreement about what people want to see in their new chief as we go forward,' said Henderson during an interview via Zoom teleconference Monday. He said reducing crime and improving public safety are still top of mind for many people that were consulted, but transit safety and homelessness are also big concerns. 'If people don't use transit because they don't feel safe, that has huge impacts on the city,' said Henderson. 'If they don't go into the core of our city because they're not feeling safe, that has huge impacts.' But working with suburban communities with different profiles and interests could be a challenge for the new chief. '(We want to see) commitment to community policing and a connection between the police and community and continuing to strengthen that,' said Henderson, adding that ongoing issues of transparency and accountability are also things that came up during conversations with stakeholders. 'There was a feeling that the service is moving in the right direction, and we just need somebody who's going to keep on pushing it forward after what's been a pretty trying five or six years for the city, particularly with the police.' He said the COVID-19 pandemic impacted policing as well as Edmonton's homeless population with an increase in drug use. He added that conversations around the murder of George Floyd during the pandemic 'rattled' some people's relationship with police, but he thinks it's 'well on the mend.' Two EPS officers are currently sharing the role of interim police chief while a permanent chief is sought. 'We are not going to rush it. It's more important that we get the right person,' said Henderson. 'Now that we know what we're looking for, that magical person, if we can find them, will be fabulous. But that's the next challenge.' While applications are open, the commission is hoping to get a recommendation from city council, which will ratify the new chief by their last meeting in September ahead of the municipal election. 'The new chief will take the service where it's going to go next … and we need to make sure we get it right.' With files from CTV News Edmonton's Sasha Pietramala
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Residents demand return of community policing at southwest Little Rock town hall
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Tensions and hope filled the Southwest Community Center Tuesday night as residents of southwest Little Rock gathered for a town hall meeting demanding a safer neighborhood — and a louder voice. Hosted by Arkansas Community Organizations, the forum brought together dozens of neighbors, community advocates, and local officials. Little Rock crime discussed in Chris Cuomo's town hall focused on 'Crime in America' Their message was clear: 'We are tired of feeling unsafe — and unheard,' the Arkansas Community Organizations President said. The call to action focused on reinstating community policing — officers on foot or bike patrol who know the people they serve rather than just responding to emergencies from a distance. 'We need it,' said Valencia White, a member of Arkansas Community Organizations. 'If they want us to trust them, they got to show up.' Many residents shared similar frustrations, reporting repeated incidents of gunfire, speeding cars, and suspected drug houses. Yet, they say their concerns they say are often brushed off or delayed by law enforcement, who categorize these calls as 'non-emergencies.' 'They take hours — sometimes until the next day — to respond,' one attendee said. Despite those concerns, police data paints a different picture. According to Mark Edwards, spokesperson for the Little Rock Police Department, 'Of our three divisions — Northwest, 12th Street, and Southwest — Southwest has, from a crime percentage standpoint, the best of the three.' They emphasized that community policing isn't just about deterring crime — it's about building relationships and trust between officers and the people they serve. The model once existed in Little Rock, and now, residents want it back. Tensions rise in Brushy Island community over development of police shooting range They are calling on city leaders — including the mayor, police chief, and city directors — to recommit to walking the streets with the people, not apart from them. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Yahoo
Parents warned of a worrying increase of young people carrying knives
Officers said they had noticed an increase in the number of young people carrying knives at a recent community meeting. Police said that there was a problem with young people carrying knives and tackling this started at home, with parents have to take responsibility to educate children, and remain vigilant. The alert was issued at the Partners and Communities Together held at Ladybridge Community Centre as the crime stats for the area were detailed and initiatives were announced, including a crackdown on speeding. Officers are working with young people who have got into trouble. Speaking at the meeting Community Safety Officer Aaron McCarthy said: 'We have given 19 advice letters to young people so far this year, with a total of 47 young people on their first warning. READ MORE: 'In total we have also given out 13 final warnings, which means that the young people get a support worker from the police who are able to jobs" target="_blank">work with them over a six month period. 'We have also given out two Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABC) this year.' ABC's are a voluntary agreement between a child (10-17 years inclusive), in some cases a parent and the local authority/police where the child agrees not to be involved in certain anti-social acts. If breached, it may be used as evidence in Court to support further legal action. Localised data shared at the meeting also revealed that a community speed watch scheme is in the works, which is likely to be implemented on Ladybridge estate by the end of summer. Speaking at the meeting, Neighbourhood Inspector Jamie Hibbert said: 'Operation Classify is currently targeting speeding drivers across the borough. 'We have issued more traffic offence reports than any other neighbourhood and have also seized 15 vehicles alone this year for traffic offences. 'For the area, the solved rate for the last six months is just under 40 per cent- which is extremely high.' Vehicle crimes in Bolton West are on a downward trend, with a total of 3,400 crimes down from last year, the recent PACT meeting has revealed. Police at the meeting said that the number of solved crimes made by Bolton West's Neighbourhood Policing Team totalled to 2,351. That is 127 fewer than the previous year. Personal robberies had also gone down by 6.6 p er cent in the last 12 months, with a total of 3,387 crimes. Cllr Anne Galloway and Councillor Martyn Cox were also in attendance of the meeting. Speaking to The Bolton News Cllr Galloway said: 'PACT meetings are a vital opportunity for local residents to raise concerns, in setting local policing priorities and also in building trust and relationships. 'If residents are interested in voicing local issues, PACT meetings provide a great platform to do so.'
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Police officers get the scoop when they pop into popular ice-cream parlour
Police officers got the scoop when the dropped into a popular ice-cream parlour as part of their neighbourhood policing. Milk Maids on Manchester Road also serves as a farm shop - selling locally sourced produce as well as coffee and sweet treats. The shop is based at Dearden's Farm in Over Hulton and has remained in the hands of the Partington family since 1955. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) met the staff and discussed issues affecting the area. They said that they will continue to jobs" target="_blank">work with Milk Maids and the rest of the community. Have a story? Get in touch at A spokesperson for GMP Bolton said: "Today local Neighbourhood Officers met with Milk Maids on Manchester Road to discuss the driving standards in the area, a clear priority for the Hulton community. "Work will continue in partnership with Milk Maids to ensure drivers are parking and driving correctly so residents and customers can safely enjoy their days and their ice cream!" Officers met with the staff of Milk Maids to talk about driving standards in the area (Image: GMP) READ MORE: Tonge Fold man reached 70mph in a 30mph zone in police chase READ MORE: AirBNB Smithills party house shut down to delight of residents READ MORE: Milk Maids in Over Hulton is definitely worth a visit The multi-award winning store is currently run by Fiona Partington and her sister, Rebecca Partington, alongside a close-knit team of 10, as well as her parents Anne-Marie and Michael. The farm was initially taken over by Patricia and John Partington in 1955 before being turned into a parlour and tea shop. The store even sources their coffee beans as locally as possible, selling a Bolton coffee brand called Oddy Knocky, which roasts the beans locally.
