ARTICLES

The graduation ceremonies of the 2020 Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS), Blood Tribe Police Service (BTPS) and Taber Police Service (TPS) Cadet Training program took place on Friday, May 29^th, 2020. Due to COVID-19 health restrictions the ceremony was closed to members of the public and media.

Twelve cadets graduated from the 20-week training program, including one TPS, four BTPS and seven MHPS cadets, who met or exceeded provincial standards in the areas of police recruit training. The cadets also received academic accreditation through Lethbridge College (LC) for the knowledge and skills they acquired through this competency-based educational program.

The training program is the result of a collaborative partnership between the MHPS, BTPS, TPS, Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) and LC. While a traditional classroom environment played an important role, much of the learning and assessment took place in real-life settings throughout the community. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, adjustments to program delivery allowed learning to continue seamlessly in a virtual environment to ensure the safety of the cadets and instructors.

“The strength of the partnership between the college and the Medicine Hat, Blood Tribe and Taber Police Services allowed us to be adaptable and flexible, despite the unique challenges COVID-19 presented,” says Dr. Jeanine Webber, Dean of Lethbridge College’s Centre for Justice and Human Services. “We were able to facilitate an exceptional blended educational and training experience for the cadets. We are honoured to assist our police partners with preparing cadets for their policing careers and congratulate the cadets on their graduation.”

“Three police services working with the LC adds such a rich and diverse experience for our cadets” says MHPS Chief Andy McGrogan. “This training has been a tremendous growth and learning opportunity for both the cadets and our entire organization.”

“This is the third year that the BTPS has been involved in this training program and we are very proud of the cadets and our continued partnerships with southern Alberta police services and LC” says BTPS Chief Kyle Melting Tallow. “Even through this difficult time of the pandemic, everyone involved came together to ensure that this program remained successful.”

“We are fortunate to have this partnership where an innovative police recruit curriculum and first class instruction has been deployed within this police academy model. Together we can achieve greatness in public safety, and this is simply another excellent example of how we do things right in southern Alberta. I would like to thank the MHPS for its leadership and support to our organization in this regard, and LC for their commitment to police training and the development of our new officers”, says TPS Chief Dr. Graham Abela.

Following graduation the cadets will return to their communities to join their respective agencies and begin their policing careers.

Media inquiries:

Paul Kingsmith
Senior Communications Specialist, Lethbridge College
Cell: 587-220-0750
Email: paul.kingsmith@lethbridgecollege.ca

Rita Sittler
Administrative Services Manager, Medicine Hat Police Service
Office: 403-529-8416
Email: rita.sittler@mhps.ca

Farica Prince
Inspector, Blood Tribe Police Service
Office 403-737-8800
Email: farica.prince@bloodtribepolice.com

Dr. Graham Abela
Chief of Police, Taber Police Service
Office: 403-223-8991
Email: gabela@taberpolice.ca

On 28 May 2020, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service ALERT Organized Crime Section attempted to execute a criminal code search warrant of a residence on Ross Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB relating to the importation and possession of a prohibited weapon.

When police attempted to arrest the male on these charges and to execute a search warrant, the accused barricaded himself in his residence and refused to exit. During the standoff the accused male assaulted an officer and as a result of this attack he struck in the leg with a police impact weapon.

MHPS Crisis Negotiator Team members negotiated with the male and the stand off ended with the accused surrendering to the MHPS Tactical Arrest and Control Team members on scene.

Several prohibited weapons were seized and charges are pending as the investigation continues. Additional information will be released in the following days.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Jason Graham
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph; 403-529-8461

The event that occurred in the 900 block of Ross Street SE has successfully come to a conclusion.  The Medicine Hat Police Service would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation during this time.  Further comments will be provided shortly.

Currently the Medicine Hat Police Service is dealing with an incident in the 900 block of Ross Street SE.  This event is still ongoing.  We would ask that the public continue to avoid the area and those residents who live in close proximity are advised to shelter in place.

Your cooperation is appreciated.

The Medicine Hat Police is currently dealing with a high profile incident and would ask that the public avoid the area of the 900 block of Ross Street SE.  Additional information will be forthcoming.  Thank you.

The Medicine Hat Police Service is continuing the investigation into a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred in the 1200 block of McKenzie Cres NW, which resulted in the death of an 83-year-old Medicine Hat woman. The cause of the collision is still under review and charges are pending.

The investigation into this collision will be detailed and time consuming and local traffic only is recommended in the area.

All traffic fatalities are tragic for those involved, from first responders to witnesses and most of all to the driver and victim’s family. The MHPS extends condolences to the friends and family of the deceased woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Gerald Sadlemyer
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471

20-10796 Injury Motor Vehicle Collision

Members of MHPS Patrol and Traffic Section along with EMS are currently on scene at an injury motor vehicle collision on the 1200 block of McKenzie Cres NW. Emergency crews on sight are requesting motorists to avoid the area. Thank you for your cooperation.

Patrol Staff Sergeant

The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting the lives and habits of all Canadians. To help understand its impacts on people across the country, Statistics Canada is collecting information related to the perceptions of crime, safety, and violence during the pandemic. To voluntarily participate in the survey click on the following link:

https://surveys-enquetes.statcan.gc.ca/form-formulaire/q/en/eqgs3f366219551540e4968745cdb5adc5c0/p0

The survey will close on May 25th, 2020 with results expected in mid-June.

For more information on this data collection, please visit https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/survey/household/5323-covid-series

The Medicine Hat Police Service in partnership with the Medicine Hat Police Commission is proud to present the 2019 Medicine Hat Police Service Annual Report.

The report includes a review of operational highlights as well as features key activities and accomplishments in relation to the four strategic priorities of; Community Safety, Community Engagement, Human Resources and Officer Safety. The report also celebrates awards received by the Service as well as commendations and compliments received by staff throughout the year.

To view the entire report, visit the MHPS website click here

For more information contact:

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

Four Medicine Hat men have been charged with a variety of child sexual exploitation offences following a series of arrests by ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit.

ICE’s investigation stems from the suspects’ alleged involvement in online child exploitation. The arrests took place between May 12 and 14, 2020, with the help of Medicine Hat Police Service.

“Sadly, our ICE unit has been inundated with cases involving online child exploitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. While people are spending more time online, I can’t emphasize enough the need to implement safe internet practices and know-how in order to protect our children,” said Supt. Dwayne Lakusta, ALERT CEO.

There is no definitive link between the suspects other than the nature of offences allegedly committed. Each of the men was charged with at least one child pornography offence:

• Thomas Bindr, a 27-year-old man;
• Blaine Vadnais, a 78-year-old man;
• Jeremy Unruh, a 43-year-old man; and
• Owen Michael Monteith, a 34-year-old man.

None of the accused were deemed to work in professions of trust and/or authority.

A total of 43 computers and devices were seized. ICE will continue its investigation by conducting a full forensic analysis.

ICE is an integrated team that includes members of Calgary Police, Lethbridge Police, and Medicine Hat Police, and RCMP members. ICE investigates offences involving child pornography, any computer-related child sexual abuse, child luring over the Internet, voyeurism involving victims under the age of 18, and child sex trade/tourism.

Anyone with information about this investigation, or any child exploitation offence is encouraged to contact local police or cybertip.ca.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Sgt. Kirt Murray
Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
Ph: 403-581-1090

Michael Tucker
Communications Director
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
Desk: 780-509-3015
Cell: 780-983-4159