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RCMP locate safe in ditch

RCMP have few calls over holidays
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Over the holidays there were relatively few calls for service, 25 in total, which included locating a small safe in the ditch on RR 20 and Tsp Rd 414. There was a report of a stolen vehicle that was later recovered by Rimbey RCMP members and a few collisions with critter’s on the highways.

Mandatory alcohol screening is now law.

Updated legislation, in force as of December 18th, 2018, provides legislative authority for peace officers to conduct mandatory alcohol screening on any lawfully stopped driver in Canada. This allows members to demand roadside breath samples without any suspicion of alcohol consumption. More specifically, Section 320.27(2) of the Criminal Code states that a peace officer may make a breath demand of any individual operating a motor vehicle if the peace officer:

• has an Approved Screening Device in their possession; and,

• is in the course of the lawful exercise of powers (from an Act of Parliament, an Act of a provincial legislature or from common law).

The vehicle operator, which includes a person who is not driving but behind the wheel, will be obligated to immediately provide samples of their breath into an ASD, and will not be permitted to speak with legal counsel beforehand. Failure to comply with this demand carries the same potential consequences as failing to comply with an ASD demand made under reasonable suspicion.

As a reminder to maximize detachment resources and service delivery, and ensure reports of crime are received and dispatched in the most efficient manner, the following will highlight when calls should be placed to 911, the dispatch line (403-843-2223), and the administrative line (403-843-2224).

Difference between Complaint Line and Admin calls:

Call the Administration line when you are looking for an update on a file/report that you have previously made to the RCMP and there is no immediate threat of escalation or violence. Or, if you have an update for the existing file, such as providing serial/VIN numbers. Also, call this number if you are looking to speak with a specific member of the RCMP who is investigating an existing file. The Dispatch Centre can not access or update files that have already been downloaded to the detachment.

The complaint line is answered 24/7 by the RCMP’s Southern Alberta Operational Communication Centre. This line is called when you require police attendance or are reporting a new incident, something that has just occurred or you have just noticed that something occurred. It could be that the new incident is related to an existing file/complaint but is new and requires police to attend and/or investigate. If the new/changed incident is in progress and/or there is an immediate threat of violence or potential loss of life, then 9-1-1 should be called, asking for police.