ARTICLES

The MHPS Traffic Unit have cleared from the scene and traffic flow has been restored. The crash is still under investigation.  

No further details will be released at this time.

On Saturday July 6, 2024, at approximately 12:30AM, Medicine Hat Police Service, EMS and Medicine Hat Fire responded to a motor vehicle crash on the Trans Canada Highway between College Avenue and 13 Avenue SE. The single vehicle involved had been traveling east bound when the driver lost control and crashed into a Jersey barricade. The two occupants were treated by EMS and transferred to Medicine Hat Regional Hospital for serious, non-life-threatening injuries.

Members of the MHPS Traffic Unit remain at the scene conducting the investigation. West bound traffic is diverted onto Trans Canada Way. Motorists are asked to avoid the area as delays are expected.  

On Friday July 5, 2024 at about 0803 hours, Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol and Traffic Unit members assisted by Medicine Hat Fire and EMS, attended to the intersection of 13 Ave and South Boundary Road SE, in response to an MVC. A Ford F150 and Chrysler Sebring collided at the intersection. Both drivers were transported to Medicine Hat Regional Hospital via EMS.  The 59 year old male driver of the Ford F150 was treated and released with minor injuries. The 90 year old female driver of the Chrysler Sebring was flown to Calgary with serious injuries.  

The accident scene is now clear and the MHPS Traffic Unit are continuing the investigation. Any witnesses to the MVC are asked to contact MHPS (403)529-8481.

As the Deputy Chief of Police, reporting to the Chief of Police, you will be working alongside the Chief and the Executive Team to develop and deliver on the strategy in support of the overall vision, mission and values. You will oversee the Operational Services and the Investigative and Support Services divisions encompassing both sworn officers, professional staff and community peace officers.

You are a forward-thinking leader that is looking for continuous improvement and transformation for the betterment of the Service and community. You understand the value in fostering partnerships with stakeholders and community organizations, recognizing the impact of collaboration in influencing positive change. You are an experienced leader who has managed human, financial and capital assets and who understands balancing the day-to-day operations with the goals and priorities of the community.

You have a thorough understanding of the challenges facing modern policing, a strong business acumen, and the ability to implement creative but practical solutions to the challenges of a growing community. You utilize innovative thinking to reduce crime and improve public safety, and you bring emotional intelligence into a workplace that prioritizes wellness and inclusivity. Your extensive experience in policing leadership and operations, along with the experience of being a sworn police officer, will inspire the next generation of leaders.

 RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership:

• Collaborate with the Chief of Police and Executive Team in setting organizational vision, goals, and strategic priorities.
• Assist in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and initiatives to achieve organizational objectives.
• Provide leadership in the absence of the Chief of Police and act as a liaison with external stakeholders.

Operational Oversight:

• Oversee the daily operations of assigned divisions or units within the organization.
• Ensure effective deployment of personnel and resources to optimize service delivery and public safety outcomes.
• Monitor and evaluate operational performance through data analysis and performance metrics.

Community Engagement:

• Foster positive relationships with community stakeholders, government agencies, and local organizations.
• Represent the organization at community events, public meetings, and media interactions.
• Promote community-oriented policing strategies to enhance public trust and collaboration.

Resource Management:

• Manage human, financial, and technological resources effectively and efficiently.
• Develop and administer departmental budgets, grants, and funding allocations.
• Oversee the maintenance and procurement of equipment and technology necessary for operations.

Policy Development and Compliance:

• Ensure organizational policies and procedures comply with legal standards and regulatory requirements.
• Recommend revisions or updates to policies based on emerging trends, best practices, and community feedback.
• Uphold ethical standards and promote a culture of integrity and accountability within the organization.

Leadership and Development:

• Mentor and develop personnel, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the organization and the community.
• Lead by example, demonstrating commitment to the organization’s mission, values, and code of conduct.

FIRST YEAR – MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Develop processes reliant on data and analysis to support frontline operations in the effective deployment of resources.
• Gain an understanding of the organizational culture and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Evaluate the overall structure, efficiency and effectiveness of the areas of responsibility and set performance metrics and goals for Divisional Inspectors.
• Develop relationships with community stakeholders and identify opportunities for partnerships.

THE INDIVIDUAL
Given the pivotal role this individual will be expected to play in achieving the strategic objectives of the service and in supporting its success, it is essential that the successful candidate possess the following core competencies, experience, and attributes:

Education

• A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, public administration, or a related field is preferred.
• A master’s degree in a relevant field such as public administration, criminology, or business administration would be considered an asset.
• Must be a sworn officer or can be re-sworn as an officer.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of progressive law enforcement experience, with significant experience at the Inspector level or above within a Canadian police service.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in overseeing complex operations, strategic planning, and resource management within a law enforcement agency.
• Proven track record of fostering positive relationships with diverse communities, stakeholders, and government agencies to promote community safety and well-being.
• Experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating policies and procedures in accordance with legal standards, best practices, and community needs.
• Ability to make effective decisions under pressure, manage crisis situations, and adapt strategies to changing circumstances while upholding ethical standards and organizational values.
• Track record of leading innovative initiatives and strategic programs to address emerging challenges in law enforcement and community safety.
• Experience in mentoring and developing personnel, promoting a culture of continuous learning, diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders, external partners, and the broader community.

 Competencies and Knowledge

Leadership: Ability to inspire and motivate others, lead by example, and effectively manage teams and resources within a law enforcement agency.

Strategic Thinking: Capacity to develop and implement long-term goals and strategies that align with the organization’s mission and adapt to evolving community needs and challenges.

Ethical Decision Making: Skill in making sound, ethical decisions under pressure, considering diverse perspectives, and upholding legal standards and organizational policies.

Community Engagement: Proficiency in building and maintaining positive relationships with diverse communities, stakeholders, and government agencies to enhance public trust and collaboration.

Crisis Management: Capability to manage crisis situations effectively, make informed decisions swiftly, and ensure the safety and well-being of the community and staff.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to articulate organizations goals, policies, and initiatives effectively to internal and external stakeholders, and to foster a culture of transparency and accountability.

Personal Profile

• Fair and equitable leader.
• Open to explaining the “why”.
• Diplomatic.
• Driven.
• Self-starter.
• Highly accountable.
• High ethical standards.
• A positive attitude when faced with adversarial situations.
• Collaborative.
• Innovative.
• Critical thinker with problem solving skills.
• Exhibits sound judgment.

LOCATION
Medicine Hat, Alberta
Relocation will be required and financially supported for this opportunity.

HOW TO APPLY
For the opportunity to join Medicine Hat Police Service in the role of Deputy Chief of Police, please email your resume to DreamBig@profoundtalent.com referencing Position ID # AWQX-682283.

Should you have an inquiry regarding this position, please contact Terri Davis at 587-200-0114 ext. 101.

For further information on ProFound Talent Inc. please visit: www.profoundtalent.com

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

ProFound Talent is a woman owned and operated business, recognized and certified by Women Business Enterprise (WBE). We pride ourselves in supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives in our recruitment processes and in our work environment, where every individual feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals to which you may confidentially share your accommodation needs at time of application. We will adjust our processes to ensure you have an inclusive, fair, and respectful experience that allows you to represent yourself in your unique and most authentic way.

* We thank all applicants for your submissions, however only candidates being considered for this role will be contacted. *

Members of the Medicine Hat Police Service – Traffic Unit, is currently investigation a motor vehicle collision on South Boundary Road at 13 Ave SE.

Traffic flow is being redirected in this area. Motorists are asked to use alternate routes until further notice.  

Justin Hudson, who was the subject of a missing person report, has been found and is safe. The Medicine Hat Police thank the public for their attention with this matter.

A/Staff Sgt David Gornisiewicz

Tickets are now on sale for the 63rd annual Medicine Hat Police Association Ball.  This year the event will be held at the Desert Blume Golf Course clubhouse and music will be provided by the Rob Hudec band.

To purchase tickets call Sgt. Darlene Garrecht at 403-9522-6898

On June 29, 2024, at approximately 3:00pm, MHPS responded to an armed robbery at a business in the 1500 block of Dunmore Rd SE.  An employee of the store had been assaulted during the robbery and the suspect had fled the scene prior to police arrival.  The investigation led police to a nearby apartment, where the suspect was located but refused to surrender.  Police obtained a warrant to enter the dwelling, resulting in the suspect’s arrest.  A search warrant was also obtained, allowing police to recover items related to the robbery inside the apartment. 

The suspect is identified as 36-year-old0  Kyle NEAPETUNG of Medicine Hat.  Neapetung is charged with Robbery, Assault with a Weapon and Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to the Public. He was held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing resulting in him being remanded in custody with his next court date set for July 3, 2024.

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) in partnership with the Medicine Hat Police Commission is pleased to present the 2023 MHPS Annual Report.

The report includes a review of operational highlights and features key accomplishments in relation to the strategic priorities of, community safety, community engagement, service delivery, organizational wellness, and human resources. The report also celebrates the success of new initiatives such as the drone deployment program and the re-launch of the crime map in partnership with the City of Medicine Hat. Highlights also include the change of command ceremony for Chief Al Murphy as well as Inspector compliments and Chief’s commendations presented throughout the year.

Training was also a focus with the graduation of 15 cadets on March 17^th.  Upon gradation the cadets returned to their respective agencies at the MHPS, Lethbridge Police Service and Manitoba First Nations Police Service. In November, all MHPS staff attended a professional development day where Mr. Russell Garnett, Program Coordinator with the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC presented on “Defining Moments: Ethical Decision Making in Policing During the Holocaust” which challenged attendees to critically examine the role of individual choices, decisions made by police and the complexities of rationalization in response to orders not to intervene during Kristallnacht and further acts of atrocity and anti-Semitic legislation.

The 2023-2024 Business Plan identified five strategic priorities with a goal of enhancing community safety, strengthening community relationships, and ensuring that all employees and volunteers of the Service are provided with a respectful workplace founded on the MHPS core values. Through this work the benefit of staff training on the topic of cultural awareness was identified as an opportunity to enhance understanding and strengthen the skills of police and public safety professions who work directly and indirectly with different cultures. As such, all MHPS employees, sworn and civilian were required to complete a Cultural Awareness and Humility training module, which introduced the concept of cultural humility, the benefit of valuing diverse perspectives, and highlighted cultural competence as a means of effectively interacting with people across cultures to promote positive partnerships.

To view the entire report, visit the MHPS website.  

For more information contact:

Rita Sittler
Business Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On June 18, 2024, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) received a report that an altercation had occurred at a residence located in the 400 block of 19^th Street NE involving a firearm. One of the victims in this matter received a broken hand during the altercation.

Prior to police arrival, the suspects had fled the scene in a vehicle. The vehicle was located a short time later by responding Patrol officers, and a high-risk vehicle stop was conducted on the Maple Avenue bridge, where a male and female were taken into custody.  When searching the vehicle officers located a black CO2 airsoft pistol.

Two people have been charged in relation to this offence:

A 33-old-female has been charged with assault and breach of undertaking. She was released on an Undertaking and scheduled to appear in court on July 24, 2024.

A 34-year-old male, Tim Nymark-Guerette has been charged with:

• Assault with a weapon.
• Assault causing bodily harm.
• Theft under $5,000
• Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace
• And two counts of breach of undertaking.

Nymark-Guerette was held for a Judicial Interim Release bail hearing and has been remanded in custody with a court appearance schedule for June 20, 2024.

The investigation determined that this was a targeted attack with the accused and victim known to one another and as such there is no ongoing risk to the public.

Media Contact:

Acting S/Sgt. Darlene Garrecht
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461