ARTICLES

On January 19^th, 2021 the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to two calls for service involving persons who have appeared to have overdosed from a new opioid based drug, known as “blue heroin” or “diz”. The drug has a bright, royal blue color and may be sold in rock form. Three subjects involved in the two calls for service were successfully provided immediate medical attention

Anyone ingesting street drugs should be aware that any opioid-based drugs they are using may be more potent than they expect. The MHPS is currently investigating the source of these street drugs, but would remind those who do use opioids purchased from illegal suppliers, to do so with this warning in mind.

If you or someone you know needs help with a substance addiction and would like assistance or information, contact Addiction and Mental Health - Community Services at 403-529-3500.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or submit at tip (anonymously if preferred) through the MHPS Mobile App. The MHPS mobile app is free and available to download for both Apple and Android devices by searching ‘Medicine Hat Police Service’ on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Media Contact:

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

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) Major Crime Section has charged at 54-year-old male in connection with the high risk incident that occurred on January 18, 2021.

The initial call was received at 9:30 AM reporting a male in distress, who was possibly a danger to himself and others, and that he may be armed with a weapon.

At approximately 12:00 PM members of the MHPS located the male in an isolated area, south of Smelter Avenue and Factor Street SE. The area was contained as officers attempted to make contact with the male. After several attempts to communicate with the male were unsuccessful, members of the MHPS Tactical Team and Crisis Negotiators were called to the scene.

At approximately 1:15 PM the male exited the structure and pointed a long barrel weapon at the police officers on scene. An armored rescue vehicle was utilized to provide protection for the officers who were then able to deploy a single-shot projectile launcher to subdue the male and safely take him into custody.

Resulting from this investigation Dale Melbourn has been charged with the following offenses; possession of a weapon x2, assault with a weapon x2, pointing a firearm x2 and breach of previous release conditions. Melbourn was held in custody with his next court appearance scheduled for January 21, 2021.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Darcy Brandt
Major Crimes Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

On January 18, 2021 at approximately 9:30 AM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) received a report of a male in distress, who was possibly a danger to himself and others, and that he may be armed with a weapon. Investigators attempted to locate the male within the city as his location was unknown at that time.

At approximately 12:00 PM members of the MHPS located the male in an isolated area, south of Smelter Avenue and Factor Street SE. The area was contained as officers attempted to make contact with the male. After several attempts to communicate with the male were unsuccessful, members of the MHPS Tactical Team and Crisis Negotiators were called to the scene.

At approximately 1:15 PM the male exited the structure and pointed a long barrel weapon at the police officers on scene. An armored rescue vehicle was utilized to provide protection for the officers who were then able to deploy a single-shot projectile launcher to subdue the male and safely take him into custody.

The use of the projectile launcher offers a less lethal option to be deployed in situations where extended ranges are needed, to create greater distance between the officer and the high-risk person(s) in crisis, and potentially avoid the need to escalate to the use of lethal force with firearms.

The male subject is known to police. He was also found to have a replica handgun and a large hunting knife in his possession during the arrest. The MHPS Major Crimes Section is investigating the incident and the subject is currently held in custody awaiting formal criminal charges.

The MHPS would like to thank the public for their cooperation during this incident. The MHPS mobile app, was used to notify the public of the high risk incident. The app is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Media Contact

S/Sgt Darcy Brandt
Major Crimes Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

A new tool is available to assist with facilitating effective communication between drivers and police officers. A visual communication card has been developed to support communication between police officers and individuals with communication challenges and those who are not yet proficient in the English language.

The idea for this communication card came from the community after a similar tool was created in Edmonton. Using the Edmonton card, which focused on the communication needs of people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, the Advisory Committee on Disability Issues (ACDI) felt that there would be value in also including the needs of others who have communication barriers. After speaking with agencies and services whose staff or clients might benefit from a communication tool like this, a committee was formed. ACDI brought together a small working group to create the communication card, including representatives from each of the following organizations; Medicine Hat Police Services (MHPS), Speech-Language Pathology department with Alberta Health Services, Saamis Immigration Services Association, and Brain Injury Relearning Services.

The visual card is intended to aid with effective communication at traffic stops by allowing police officers to point to what they need from the driver as well as indicate what violation has occurred, and in turn the driver can point to the best way for the officer to communicate with them.

“The client group we work with, sometimes have language barriers and may not understand the official wording used by officers during a traffic stop,” says Marie-Claude Scahill, Manger of Settlement, Saamis Immigration. “This tool will reduce some of the stress, for both the officers and the person being pulled over, by breaking down barriers for both parties involved. It is also a very good educational tool for our newcomers as they transition into driving in Canada.”

All members of the MHPS have been issued cards and are encouraged to keep the card in their vehicle. The cards have also been distributed to current Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada students and newly arrived newcomers under the Resettlement Assistance Program through Saamis Immigration as well to local AHS Speech-Language Pathologists and members of the Deaf/hard of hearing communities.

Above all, communication is about giving and receiving information. “Visual supports, such as picture symbols, can be a valuable tool for people with communication challenges, augmenting their ability to independently share and understand information,” says Carolyn Maynes (Speech-Language Pathologist with Alberta Health Services). During high stress situations (for example, during traffic stops), communication often becomes more challenging. With that in mind, this card was designed to benefit those with hearing loss and various other language deficits by allowing them to more effectively and efficiently communicate with others”.

“The fundamental purpose of the MHPS is to serve and protect the community,” says Inspector Brent Secondiak. “To accomplish this, we must be aware of the needs of various groups to ensure we are providing accessible and responsible policing services to all people in the community equally. We commend the community stakeholders who were involved in the development of this card for their efforts to increase awareness and bridge potential gaps in service delivery”.

For more information or to access a copy of the communication card contact Leslie Jerry, Community Inclusion Coordinator by phone at 403-502-8086 or by email at lesjer@medicinehat.ca.

Media Contact:

Leslie Jerry
Community Inclusion Coordinator
City of Medicine Hat
Ph: 403-502-8086

Or

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

or

Marie-Claude Scahill
Manager of Settlement
Saamis Immigration Services Association

Ph: 403-504-1188 ext.102

Or

Carolyn Maynes
Speech-Language Pathologist
Medicine Hat Regional Hospital
Alberta Health Services
Ph: 403-528-8175

On January 11, 2021 at approximately 1:12 PM, two female pedestrians were struck while crossing Cameron Road SE in a marked crosswalk. A GMC Acadia was travelling east on Carry Drive SE, attempting to turn left on Cameron Road SE, when the driver did not yield to the pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Both pedestrians were transported to hospital for further assessment, but thankfully their physical injuries do not appear to be serious.

The female driver of the GMC Acadia was issued a ticket for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk as a result of this collision.

The MHPS traffic safety focus for the month of January is Intersection Safety. intersections are often high-risk locations and motorists are reminded to slow down and take extra caution, keeping an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists. Aggressive behaviours such as; speeding, running red lights, or entering the intersection without properly looking could result in collisions, injury, and death.

Media Contact:

A/Sgt Darren Holeha
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph:403-529-8471

In a small ceremony held at the Medicine Hat Police Service this morning, Mike Worden was sworn in as Chief of Police. He replaces Chief Andy McGrogan, who retired on December 31, 2020 after serving the community of Medicine Hat for over 40 years.

“I am honoured to take on the role of Chief of Police, joining the women and men who make up this incredibly professional and progressive organization” say Chief Worden. “As this is a homecoming for me, after being away from the community for 32-years, I look forward to working with residents and the members of the police service as I know together we can accomplish great things. I want to thank and congratulate Chief Andy McGrogan for his leadership and for over 40-years of service to this community.”

Due to current health orders the ceremony was limited in attendance however it is anticipated that a public event will be planned once the restrictions are lifted.

Chief Worden was selected by the Medicine Hat Police Commission after an extensive national search which yielded several highly qualified candidates. Prior to his appointment as Chief of the Medicine Hat Police Service, Mike Worden served as a member of the Calgary Police Service over the past 25 years, where he demonstrated his abilities as seasoned leader throughout a successful and progressive policing career.

Chief Worden looks forward to engaging with members of the Service and the community over the coming months as he settles into his new role.

Media Contact:

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

On December 12, 2020, at approximately 2:52 pm members of the Medicine Hat Fire Department and Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a structure fire in the 2100 block of 7 Avenue NE. The fire was contained within a detached garage and no one was injured.

As this time, police are treating the investigation as an arson and members of the Major Crime Section are working to identify the person(s) responsible.

Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation, including the identity of the person in the attached surveillance footage, is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 -222-8477 (TIPS). Tips may also be submitted (anonymously if preferred) thru the MHPS Mobile App, which is free and available to download for both Apple and Android devices by searching ‘Medicine Hat Police Service’ on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Darcy Brandt

Major Crime Section

Medicine Hat Police Service

Ph: 403-529-8421

It is with profound sadness we extend our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Calgary Police Service Sgt. Andrew Harnett, who was killed in the line of duty on December 31, 2020.

While working to keep the community safe, Sgt. Harnett was struck by a vehicle fleeing a traffic stop. Despite the heroic attempts by his colleagues and members of EMS, he died as a result of his injuries.

On behalf of the Medicine Hat Police Service we offer our heartfelt sympathies to the Harnett family and to the members of the Calgary Police Service family.

All police officers share a bond with a common goal to serve our communities and maintain public safety and we mourn this tragedy with our policing partners.

Congratulations to Chief Andy McGrogan as he retires after serving the community of Medicine Hat for more than 40 years!

Chief McGrogan was hired by Medicine Hat Police Service in November of 1980, and throughout his successful and progressive career he worked in a wide variety of positions including; general Patrol Duties, Communications, Canine, Tactical Team Member and Commander, Criminal Investigations and Professional Standards and Development. After serving as an Inspector of both Support and Operational Services, he was appointed to Deputy Chief of Police in September of 2007 until his appointment to Chief in November 2008.

In addition to his work with the MHPS, Chief McGrogan was very active in the community and a long-time supporter of many community organizations. He was a Board Member and Chair of the Medicine Hat Woman’s Shelter Society for six years and a strong advocate in the community on issues that relate to violence against women and children. He served as the Alberta representative for the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and has participated on a number of other boards such as Canadian Intelligence Services Canada, and the Canadian Police Knowledge Network, a not for profit organization that provides online training solutions for police and law enforcement in Canada. In May of 2016 he was elected as President of the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police.

Chief McGrogan is passionate about and committed to life-long learning. In 2006 he received his Masters of Arts in Leadership and Training and in 2019 completed a graduate certificate in Executive Coaching, both through Royal Roads University. As a leader he shared his passion for education with others and was instrumental in the development of a collaborative cadet training partnership between the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS), the Blood Tribe Police Service (BTPS), Taber Police Service (TPS) and Lethbridge College which results in police cadets receiving academic accreditation through Lethbridge College (LC) for the knowledge and skills they acquired through a competency-based educational program.

In 2014, Chief McGrogan received the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. The Officer of the Order of Merit recognizes outstanding meritorious service in duties of responsibility over an extended period, at the regional and provincial level.

“I feel so much gratitude to this community and to the members and staff of the Police Service both past and present for allowing me to serve at all levels of the organization since 1980 -who ever gets this privilege?” says Chief McGrogan.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to our community Chief! You will be missed but we wish you the very best on your well deserved retirement.

Between December 14 2020 and December 26 2020, unknown persons entered into a garage in the Ross Glen area of Medicine Hat and stolen a lime green 1971 Dodge Challenger, with Alberta License plate (CCT-9947). The vehicle has a very loud exhaust system and was believed it was stolen, by placing the vehicle into a trailer. The estimated value of the vehicle is $75,000.

Anyone with information regarding the theft of this vehicle or its current location is asked to contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481