TREENA MIELKE/Rimbey Review
Rimbey RCMP has added targeting habitual offenders to its priority list, which already includes keeping impaired drivers off the street and clamping down on drug offenders.
Detachment Commander Sgt. Mark Groves said targeting habitual offenders has been brought up as a concern from the various community groups he has met with.
“To date, through community consultation, there is a concern that a few individuals are chronic, habitual offenders and are likely to be doing the majority of crime. We, as a detachment, plan to target these prolific offenders within the community in an effort to reduce crime.”
Sgt. Groves said public consultation carried out last year revealed that the illegal use of drugs and impaired drivers were major causes for public concern within Rimbey.
Groves said he incorporated these concerns into his strategic plan and began to crack down hard on drug dealers, specifically those who sold marijuana and cocaine.
Two people were charged immediately with selling cocaine, he said.
“Throughout the year we continued to execute warrants on marijuana and cocaine dealers.”
In the period of April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011, 15 drug related charges were laid.
During that time period, the RCMP also made it a goal to reduce impaired drivers by 20 per cent and take 16 impaired drivers off the streets.
However, the detachment far surpassed this goal, charging 35 impaired drivers within that time frame.
“We made great inroads last year and were able to convey the message that the Rimbey community doesn’t accept or tolerate impaired driving,” he said.
Groves stressed that he remains open to ideas and suggestions as to how Rimbey RCMP can continue to best police the community in which it serves.
“If there’s an issue, let me know, and I can try and incorporate any concerns into my strategic plan.”