ARTICLES

A three-month investigation by ALERT’s Medicine Hat organized crime team has dismantled a drug trafficking network operating in southeast Alberta. Seven people were arrested, and more than $64,000 worth of drugs and cash was seized.

The investigation concluded on June 18, 2019, when ALERT investigators stopped two vehicles en route to Medicine Hat and arrested five of the seven suspects. The other two were arrested the same day as search warrants were executed at three residences in Medicine Hat, along with one in Elkwater, about 65 kilometres southeast of the city.

Over the course of the investigation, ALERT seized a total of $64,410 worth of drugs and cash, including:

• 372 grams of cocaine;
• 1,074 grams of psilocybin mushrooms;
• 1,563 grams of a cocaine buffing agent; and
• $5,630 cash proceeds of crime.

Two shotguns and numerous rounds of ammunition were also seized, along with an assortment of knives and other weapons.

“Disrupting and dismantling organized crime groups such as this one is at the top of ALERT’s list of priorities,” said Staff Sgt. Cory Both, ALERT Medicine Hat. “Taking down what we believe to be a whole network is a big feather in our team’s cap, but we know we have to stay focused on not letting other groups gain a foothold in our communities.”

A total of 27 drug and firearm-related charges have been laid against seven suspects:

• Kurtis Siemens, 24, of Medicine Hat;
• Jazden Posti, 23, of Medicine Hat;
• Michael Van De Wiele, 35, of Medicine Hat;
• Kevin Ehrler, 27, of Medicine Hat;
• Jeremy Hearn, 33, of Edmonton;
• Justin Nazarek, 25, of Edmonton; and
• Zachary Kroetsch, 24, of Edmonton.

More charges may be laid in the future.

Assistance on this file was provided by Medicine Hat Police Service, ALERT’s Calgary organized crime team, Calgary Police Service, and Morinville RCMP.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

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. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Staff Sgt. Cory Both
Medicine Hat Organized Crime Team
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
Phone: 403-529-8448

Glenn Cook
Communications Consultant
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
Phone: 780-509-3028

On June 4, 2019 a number of residents in the North East and North West areas of Medicine Hat, reported damage to a number of tires on their vehicles that had occurred overnight. Initial police investigations determined the damage to be stab marks in the tires.

Following a thorough investigation completed by the Medicine Hat Patrol Section on June 21, 2019, three youths were charged with 13 counts of causing Mischief under $5,000. The total value of the damage caused is estimated at $4,500.

The youths, who cannot be named according to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, are scheduled to appear in Provincial Youth Justice Court. The owners of the damaged vehicles have been contacted by MHPS Victim Services to complete restitution requests, which will be considered by the Provincial Youth Justice Court when the matter is resolved.

Media Contact:

Acting S/Sgt Brian Bohrn
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

The Police Service wishes to advise the public that we are aware of the video circulating via social media of the altercation that occurred on June 21st, 2019.  Police recognize that video evidence captures only a portion of an occurrence.  As such the Major Crimes section is continuing all avenues of investigation at this time. 

On, June 21^st, 2019 at approximately 9:00, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service attended to an altercation in Kin Coulee park, involving numerous youths. During the altercation several persons were injured and required medical attention. Non of the injuries are life threatening. The Major Crimes Section is investigating the incident and no further information will be released at this time.

The Medicine Hat Police Services is committed to serving and protecting our community with pride, through professional and progressive policing. In this casual position, you will be responsible for collecting, processing and disseminating confidential information throughout various departments. Daily duties include data collection, transcription and entry of police and court data into the appropriate Records Management System. This role is responsible for creating records, processing court packages and photo radar quality assurance. The position also is responsible to support the police reception desk in a customer service role.

Applicants must be willing and available to work a flexible schedule, which includes weekdays, weekends, statutory holidays and rotating evening/night shifts. The number of assigned shifts will vary dependant on the need to relieve full time positions as is necessary.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to work efficiently, with a high degree of accuracy, despite regular interruptions and changing priorities. They will have demonstrated the ability to communicate effectively and professionally, while maintaining strict confidentiality when handling sensitive information. The ideal candidate will also possess sound decision-making skills, flexibly and good judgement in managing their workload, and a detailed knowledge of Microsoft Office. Previous experience in a police or legal setting would be an asset, as would experience in Adobe Acrobat Pro and the following police specific systems: VERSATERM, RMS, CPIC and JOIN.

Required Qualifications:

• Grade 12 or high school equivalency diploma;
• Successful completion of a one (1) year office technology or business administration program
• Two (2) years administrative office experience, preferably with related legal knowledge.
• Current possession or the ability to obtain Standard First Aid /CPR and AED.
• A management approved combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Must pass a full Police Service security clearance as outlined in the Medicine Hat Police Service Policy and Procedures, including a polygraph examination.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume to Competition #19135A Human Resources Department, City of Medicine Hat, Suite 101, 505 First Street SE, Medicine Hat T1A 0A9; fax (403) 525-8870; e-mail hr@medicinehat.ca.

This posting will remain open until Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 4:30 p.m.

We thank all applicants; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Medicine Hat Police Service in partnership with the Medicine Hat Police Commission is proud to present the 2018 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.

View the 2018 MHPS Annual Report here

For more information contact:

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

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is pleased to provide the community with improved access to police resources and information via a free mobile device application.

The application developed by Apex Mobile consolidates all of the MHPS communication channels into a single source, easy to navigate platform, that allows residents to stay connected to the MHPS and informed about media release information, alerts and community safety concerns. There is information about the City of Medicine Hat bylaws, what to do when a motor vehicle collision occurs, forms and applications and a list of frequently asked questions.

Individuals are able to report six types of crimes online, view found property, submit tips relating to crime, drugs and bylaw offences and assist the MHPS with locating missing persons, wanted persons and identifying criminals caught on camera.

To ensure residents stay safe and are aware of crime trends in the city, the app provides links to calls for service and crime maps. Once downloaded by the user, the app will allow the MHPS to send push notifications directly to individual devices during emergency events.

The MHPS app is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices by searching ‘Medicine Hat Police Service’ on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Media Contact:

Insp Brent Secondiak
Administrative Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

Come out to Athletic Park on June 30, 2019 to watch the Battle of the Badges (Police vs Fire) Charity Ball Game with all proceeds raised in support of the the Medicine Hat Food Bank.
Tickets are $10 each and includes admission (bleacher seating) to the MH Mavericks vs Yorkton Cardinals game at 2:05 PM. Tickets can be upgraded to premium seating for $2.  Kids 15 and under are FREE!

Tickets can be purchased at the MHPS or Medicine Hat Mavericks office.

Update: The roadway is cleared Thank you for your patience & cooperation. Further information about the MVC will be released when available.