VIDEOS

Public Accountability and Police Discipline Process

This video highlights the very complex and important topic of public accountability and the Chief’s role in the police discipline process.  Maintaining the confidence of the community is imperative for any police agency and must be carefully balanced with the needs of the community, the operational needs of the police service and the employment rights of the individual officers. Thank you for taking a few minutes to watch the video.  Hopefully it offers some clarity about the processes involved which can be of value as you form your views and opinions on this subject.

Video courtesy of Shaw TV Medicine Hat

MHPS & CPPS Cadet Graduation

On August 28, 2015 19 cadets from the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) and Canadian Pacific Police Service (CPPS) graduated from a 17-week recruit training program. This was the first recruit training class to be held in Medicine Hat in over 35 years. 

The training program is the first of its kind in Alberta and is the result of a collaborative partnership between the MHPS, CPPS and Lethbridge College. The training program is unique as although a traditional classroom environment played an important role, much of the learning and assessment took place in real-life settings throughout the community. In addition, the MHPS cadets enrolled in the program were required to successfully demonstrate the knowledge and skills they acquired in training before being offered a policing position.

Each of the graduates from the program were awarded with an Academic Certificate from Lethbridge College, approved by Alberta Learning and Police Sector Council Behavioural Competencies for Constable Level 1 were integrated into every course and assessment tool.

Video Courtesy of Medicine Hat Shaw TV

Walking the Beat with the MHPS: Victim Assistance Unit

The Victim Assistance Unit of the Medicine Hat Police Service provides 24 hour practical and emotional support to victims of crime, accident, or other incidents. The Unit is maintained by two full-time civilian employees and one part time volunteer coordinator, who through the assistance of volunteers provide  information to victims about their file and the criminal justice system as well as refer the victim to other helping agencies; and providing court orientation and accompaniment. Currently the MHPS Victim Assistance unit is looking to recruit an additional 20 volunteers. For more information contact Volunteer Coordinator, Ms. Deidre Giesbrecht, by phone at (403)-529-8918 or email deidre.giesbrecht@mhps.ca

Video courtesy of Medicine Hat Shaw TV

Walking the Beat with the MHPS: 2015 Cadet Class

As the result of a new collaborative partnership between the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS), CP Police Service (CPPS) and Lethbridge College, 21 police cadets started a 17 week training program in Medicine Hat on May 4, 2015.

The model for this cadet training program is unique for the MHPS, as 11 candidates have been selected to participate in the training, but hiring decisions will not be made until the training has been completed.  The MHPS cadets will be joined by 10 newly hired recruits from the CPPS, who following completion of the training will be deployed at multiple locations throughout Canada.  All of the cadets who successfully complete the program will be awarded with academic accreditation by Lethbridge College and may be admitted with advanced academic standing into Lethbridge College’s Criminal Justice – Policing diploma program.

The MHPS cadets will acquire knowledge through competency-based teaching and assessment to ensure they can demonstrate their knowledge and skills before they are guaranteed a policing position.  While the classroom will still play an important role, much of the learning and assessment will take place in real-life settings throughout the community and will be conducted by certified instructors, subject matter experts, and experienced officers.  This type of training model allows both the MHPS and the cadets to determine if each is the best fit for the other.

The MHPS and Lethbridge College are excited to work together to pioneer this type of police recruit training in western Canada.  “This collaborative approach to training is a giant step forward in the evolution of police training and professionalizing the policing industry” says MHPS Chief Andy McGrogan.  “We are excited for the opportunity to train local candidates to fill future vacancies in our agency”.  Lethbridge College participation will bring academic oversight, training and education experience to the program and academic accreditation will validate the training that the cadets receive.

The cadets are currently in Week 11 of their 17 week training program. Graduation ceremonies are planned for August 28, 2015.

MHPS Facility Expansion Project

In 2006, a review determined that the existing MHPS facility no longer had the space required in several key areas to continue policing effectively. An inquiry was initiated to determine the best direction to acquire the space needed to operate a modern and well-equipped police service.

The original facility was built in 1969 and was expanded in 1989. The facility prior to the most recent expansion, although inadequately spaced, was a very well-maintained building in a centralized and effective location with many amenities that would be very difficult and expensive to replicate in a new facility, such as a modern, indoor firing range and a gymnasium. It became quite clear through an initial needs assessment, conducted in 2007, that an expansion rather than a new facility or a sub-station would be the most economically efficient and operationally effective alternative. The existing building was in close proximity to many key partners such as the Provincial Remand Center, the Provincial Courts of Alberta and City Hall.

The initial expansion was estimated to cost $17 million, with an option of a larger footprint and a third floor designated for further growth, estimated at $21 million. The City Council decided to build for the future and proceeded with the $21 million option. The life expectancy of the building was originally estimated to be 12 to 15 years with the smaller expansion, but increased to 30 years with the larger square footage.  Funding for the project was financed through the Alberta Municipal Sustainability Infrastructure Fund, which meant that there would be no debt servicing associated with the additional facility space.

The facility expansion project was completed in the fall of 2014 with a public grand opening held on December 13, 2014.  Some of the highlights of the expanded building are; an increased space for all units, including 911/communications, a community board room, which is available for meetings held by community groups, expanded meeting and classroom facilities,  a larger canine facility,  expanded property exhibit space with appropriate ventilation,  and a modern 23-cell prisoner holding area with interview rooms and other specialty features required to safely detain prisoners.

The facility should serve the community and the MHPS very well for the next generation and beyond.