ARTICLES

The Strategic Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) for the month of December will focus on impaired driving. Unfortunately, impaired driving is still a major contributing factor in fatal and serious injuries in Alberta. On average, 6,000 people were convicted of impaired driving in Alberta each year for the last five years. And from 2008-2016, 574 people died and nearly 8,000 people were injured as a result of alcohol- or drug-impaired driving.

Impaired Driving Laws:

•  Having a BAC of 0.08 or over within two hours of driving is a criminal offence.
•  In Alberta, and in most other Canadian jurisdictions, a driver with a BAC between 0.05 and 0.079 may face provincial consequences through the Immediate Roadside Suspension Program.
•  Cannabis limits are measured using nanograms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in blood.
•  There are criminal penalties for cannabis when a driver has over 2 ng/ml but less that 5ng/ml of THC in blood and when a driver has 5 ng/ml or more THC in blood.
•  There are also criminal penalties for combined drug and alcohol impairment when a driver has 2.5 ng/ml or more THC combined with 50 mg/100ml or more alcohol in their blood.

With the holiday season upon us, it is important to plan ahead for a safe ride home from your Christmas celebrations, if you have consumed alcohol and/or drugs. Some tips include:

• Before you head out, decide in advance who will be the designated driver.
• Make sure you have the contact information for local taxi companies and ride share services.
• If you’re hosting an event, let your guests know that no one drives away from your party under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Be prepared in advance to help your guests find a safe way home.

Throughout the holiday season, you can expect increased officer presence as check stops are conducted in an effort to promote safe roads.

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

The December 2019 Bylaw Education and Enforcement Program (BEEP) will be focusing on safe parking practices during the holiday season. The Bylaw Enforcement Section would like everyone to always consider parking lot safety all year round, but take extra care around Christmas time when people can be preoccupied or rushed .

Parking lots are busy places, filled with vehicles and people anxious to complete their Christmas shopping list. Road surfaces can be slick and the available spots are a bit tougher to find.

The Public Roads Bylaw # 4346 is the bylaw to be referred to for the following common parking offences in the parking lots.

• Parking in a Fire Lane, even if you only going to be a minute and is prohibited, the fine could be $50. This space is for emergency personal only, at all times.
• If you have a handicapped placard, please display it, if you are not handicapped you may not park in these designated spots. Unless you are authorized to do so, parking in these spots could add up to a $ 200.00 fine.
• Loading zones are clearly marked and parking there for any other reason other than loading is prohibited and also carries a $50 fine.

Adding to the confusion, the lines can be covered when it snows, so please take extra care and always park within a parking stall.

For a safe and happy holiday season, have some extra patience, keep your speeds down and use safe backing practices.

For more information on this program,contact Heather Trail, Supervisor of Municipal Bylaw Enforcement, at 403-529-8436.

On December 2, 2019 at approximately 7:00 am, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) were called to a residence located in the 900 block of 2 Street SE for a report of a male victim who had been assaulted by two unknown males inside his residence. One offender sprayed the victim with bear spray and the other produced a weapon before fleeing the scene. A K9 track was attempted however no suspects were located. The only physical injuries suffered by the victim were those caused by the bear spray.

While the investigation is ongoing, it is believed that this was an isolated incident and this victim was specifically targeted and as such, there is no general public safety risk.

The MHPS Major Crime Section is continuing the investigation and will provide more information on this matter as it is obtained.

Media Contact:

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

Members of the MHPS Patrol Section attended to a high risk incident on the morning of December 2nd, 2019.   The area is now clear, and the incident will be investigated by the Major Crimes Section of the MHPS.   The MHPS would like to thank the public for their assistance in avoiding the area, as requested.  More information regarding the incident will be made available at a later time.  

Memebrs of the Medicine Hat Police Service are currently involved in a high risk incident in the 900 Block of 2nd St SE. The public is asked to avoid the area,  More information regarding this incident will be released at a later time.  

Members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Traffic Section were busy on the nightshift of Friday, November 29^th conducting numerous vehicle stops resulting in the apprehension of four impaired drivers. The first arrest occurred at approximately 5:30pm when a 76 year old Medicine Hat man was taken into custody for impaired driving followed by the arrest of a 31 year old Redcliff man at 8:50pm. At approximately 11:00pm a 45 year old Medicine Hat man was arrested for impaired driving while the night concluded with the arrest of a 27 year old Medicine Hat female for driving while under the influence.

The Medicine Hat Police Service would like to remind members of the public and motorists to plan ahead at all times ensuring they have responsible, designated drivers. MHPS will continue their focus on road safety this festive season in hopes that safety is optimized for all members of the public.

In early November 2019 Medicine Hat Police Service received a complaint that an unknown person was repeatedly committing break, enter and theft to a locked compound at a business on the 100 block of Southwest Dr SW. Investigational efforts allowed the owner and police to narrow down the times of when these offences were occurring. During the early morning hours of December 1, 2019, a member of the Medicine Hat Police Service patrol section was monitoring the business when a male suspect was observed in the commission of a new offence at the same location. The male suspect was quickly taken into custody without incident.

He was identified as 52 year old Joseph Kshanowski of Medicine Hat. Hat was arrested and has had his bail hearing

As a result, Mr. Kshanowski has been charged with:

• 3 counts of break and enter

• Possess break and enter tools

• Possession of stolen property under $5000

• Possession methamphetamine

He was released before a Justice of the Peace and scheduled to appear in court on December 19^th, 2019.

The theft of precious metals is a prevalent crime in Medicine Hat. Please be diligent in securing your property and the storage of valuable items that attract the attention of criminals.

The Medicine Hat Police Service Major Crime Section has charged a 26-year-old male in connection with a robbery of a convenience store that occurred in September 2019.

On September 11, 2019 at approximately 11:39 PM, a male suspect entered a convenience store located on Carry Drive SE, produced a weapon and demanded cash from the staff member. The male then fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money and merchandise. No physical injuries were sustained during the robbery.

Cameron Beaudoin of Dunmore, Alberta is facing charges of robbery with a firearm (or imitation) and wearing a disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence. He has been released from police custody after appearing before a Justice of the Peace at his first court appearance. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 12, 2019 at 8:30 am.

The Medicine Hat Police Service would like to thank members of the public for their assistance in providing information to assist with this investigation.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Chad Holt
Major Crime Section
Medicine Hat Police service
Ph: 403-529-8421

Join our team! The Medicine Hat Police Service has an exciting opportunity for two experienced police officers to join a dedicated group of police professionals, serving and protecting our community with pride. As a member of the MHPS you will be part of a progressive, thriving organization and a community with plenty to offer.

If you are ready for a change, and are excited by the opportunity to serve a great city located in Southern Alberta contact us today! Visit mhps.ca to review the required qualifications / to download the application package. If you have any questions or need more information contact a member of the Recruitment Team at recruiting@mhps.ca.

Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2020.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Cory Both
Recruiting
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-581-1056