WESTLOCK – A handful of local residents gathered at the Westlock library Thursday morning (Sept. 19) for a Coffee with a Cop session, voicing their concerns about crime and safety in the area.
Casey, who didn’t want his last name used, raised issues regarding loud mufflers, tinted windows, unruly dogs, and speeding on Westlock's streets.
“People drive any speed they want,” he said about the speeders, adding there’s a lack of control over local dog regulations.
Darlene and Greg Rogoza from nearby Clyde echoed these concerns, particularly about speeders in their village.
S/Sgt Jeff Sehn of the Westlock RCMP assured residents they are collaborating with local peace officers to address these issues. He stressed the importance of reporting incidents, including noting licence plate numbers, dates, times, and locations. He also explained that some complaints should first be directed to municipal bylaw officers, adding that RCMP
officers prioritize calls.
Greg Rogoza expressed frustration over perceived insufficient RCMP presence in Clyde. In response, S/Sgt Sehn said that officers had conducted proactive patrols in Clyde eight to nine times over the past two weeks, including a drone operation that successfully apprehended a suspect.
Westlock Town Coun. Murtaza Jamaly addressed community safety efforts, revealing plans for safer neighbourhood designs in new developments. This includes eliminating dark corners and ensuring well-maintained properties. However, Carolyn Kohlsmith from Citizens on Patrol (COP) pointed out that older neighbourhoods still have dark spots.
Jamaly acknowledged the need for safety strategies in existing areas, such as adding parking lanes and traffic calming devices. He urged residents to report suspicious activities, highlighting that unreported incidents hinder accurate crime statistics, which are crucial for securing policing funding.
Cpl. Riley Sutherland of the Westlock RCMP Detachment reinforced that all reports are valuable in determining patrol frequency and timing.
Garth Kohlsmith from COP raised a critical issue regarding homelessness, questioning whom to contact if a vulnerable individual is at risk during extreme cold.
