The Medicine Hat Police Service is pleased to introduce the members of the newly formed Downtown Patrol Unit (DPU). Sergeant Brian Bohrn will lead the team and will be supported by Constables Jason Van Mulligen and Lori Parasynchuk.
Throughout his career with the MHPS, Sgt. Bohrn has demonstrated excellent communication, conflict resolution and interpersonal skills. He has 16 years of policing experience with previous experience in the Patrol and Major Crimes Sections as well as the Traffic Unit.
Cst. Van Mulligen has 23 years of policing experience and has served in the Community Safety Section and Traffic Unit. Cst. VanMulligen has training in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and has strong communication skills as well as many valued community relationships.
Cst. Parasynchuk has 13 years of policing experience primarily the in Patrol Section. Cst. Parasynchuk has prioritized the downtown core in her patrol duties and as a result has formed many well established community connections.
The DPU was formed to address public behaviour concerns and increase the feeling of safety for residents and businesses in the downtown. The unit will patrol an area including; North Railway to 3rd Avenue SE, River Road SE to the SE Hill, with specific attention on maximizing public safety during peak business hours in the downtown core.
The primary objectives of the DPU will be met through a combination of presence, stewardship and enforcement activities including;
• Foot Patrols: Foot patrols are a well-established means of deterrence, detection, observation and community engagement. Foot patrols will be at the very core of policing activity downtown.
• Partnership Building: The downtown is home to many social service agencies and groups that have collaborative partnerships with police and/or have clients that frequently deal with law enforcement. Building relationships and sharing information will enhance operational efficiently as well as provide intervention services for individuals to access mental health / addictions resources required.
• Relationship Building: The downtown and North Railway areas are home to many longtime residents, tenants, business owners, transients and some homeless individuals. Building relationships will be key to detecting and deterring crime and disorder.
• Enforcement: Members of the DPU will enforce the Criminal Code of Canada, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act as well as Provincial statutes and city of Medicine Hat bylaws.
• Licensed Premises Security and Safety: Officers must be proactive in optimizing the safety of patrons and staff.
The anticipated outcome of this unit will be a reduction of crime and anti-social behaviour, increased feeling of safety and enhanced community relationships with the Service. unit will be augmented by members of the MHPS School Resource Unit during the summer months.
Media Contact:
Sgt. Brian Bohrn
Downtown Patrol Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-594-0638