Aug. 26, 2021 – Jasper RCMP in Alberta provided municipal council with a quarterly update during the committee of the whole meeting on Aug. 24.
During this quarter, Jasper RCMP had three main priorities they wanted to focus on.
Priority one was traffic safety, priority two was crime reduction and priority three was community engagement.
The main focus for traffic safety was to increase the education and enforcement to reduce traffic collisions fatalities and complaints.
During this quarter, there were no check tops conducted as COVID-19 is still a big concern throughout the community.
Throughout the months of May and June, 482 violation tickets were given out by the Edson Integrated Traffic Unit (ITU) in Jasper National Park.
The officers received seven calls for impaired drivers, but only two resulted in two roadside suspensions.
There was a joint operation that was with Capital West ITU.
Capital West ITU did issue 146 violations within Jasper National Park and the joint operation resulted in nine suspensions.
Police laid 28 traffic charges at the detainment level, and there are 40 traffic collisions that are under investigation with one resulting in a charge.
For priority two, crime reduction, the main focus was to reduce the amount of graffiti mischief.
Jasper and some of its surrounding areas have recently had an increase in graffiti.
Although this issue is not growing fast and not as high on some people’s radars as other issues, given the fact that the community is located in Canada’s largest National Park, police say the activity is worrisome.
Parks Canada, Municipality of Jasper, local media, Jasper Chamber of Commerce and Crime Stoppers are working together to address the ongoing activity and put a stop to the increased graffiti mischief.
“Compounded with community education and awareness, I anticipate the situation will improve in the coming months,” said Sgt. Rick Bidaisee with Jasper RCMP.
With the COVID restrictions being lifted and visitation numbers rising this could be linked to the increased graffiti activity.
Lastly, priority three was community engagement.
“Our first priority is always the safety and security of Albertans, and this reporting along with your valued feedback will allow us to assess and enhance our policing service to ensure we are meeting your needs on an ongoing basis,” Bidaisee wrote in a letter to council.
“Accountably, efficacy and transparency are the cornerstones of our service delivery as we continue to address the priorities that are important to your community.”
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