Lethbridge Regional Police Service
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Lethbridge Regional Police Service was established 1 February 2004 as a result of an amalgamation of the police services of Lethbridge and Coaldale, Alberta. The service covers both Lethbridge and Coaldale. In 2005, the police service employed 132 officers, 80 civilian staff and over 50 civilian volunteers.
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[edit] History
The Lethbridge Police Force was established in 1902; Thomas Lewis was appointed the Chief of Police. The force had a total staff of two and served a population of about 2,000.
As of 2007, the police service employs 141 officers, 43 civilian staff and over 50 civilian volunteers, and serves a population of about 84,654.
[edit] Lethbridge Regional Police Commission
The service is governed by a nine-person commission composed of three members of the Lethbridge City Council and the Coaldale town council and six citizens. The commission oversees the service, allocates funds from both councils and establishes policing policies. They also provide instruction to the police chief regarding sufficient staffing levels.
[edit] Organization
The current head of the service is Chief Tom McKenzie, who has over 30 years of policing experience with the service. The executive officers heading the service's four divisions are Inspector Eugene Wehlage, Inspector Colin Catonio, Inspector Jeff Cove, and Inspector Bill Kaye.
[edit] Rank
The rank structure consists of the following:
- Chief
- Inspector
- Staff sergeant
- Sergeant
- Senior constable
- Constable
[edit] Training
As of 2005, newly hired officers must complete the Police Recruit Training Program through the Centre for Advancement in Community Justice, located at the Lethbridge College.
[edit] Structure
The organization of the police service includes four divisions: community policing, criminal investigation, administrative support and support services.
[edit] Community policing
The community policing division maintains peace and good order, protects lives and property, and prevents and detects crime. It accomplishes this through the following:
- Patrol services
- Downtown policing
- Traffic safety
- Court liaison
- Community resources
- Victim and witness services
[edit] Criminal investigation
The criminal investigation division provides support services to on-going investigations through the major and organized crimes sections. Key areas of the division include the following:
- Violent crimes
- Forensic identification
- Crime analysis
- Property crimes
- Serious habitual offenders
- Special operations
- Criminal intelligence
- Economic crimes
- National weapons enforcement
- Gaming
[edit] Administrative support
The administrative support division oversees the following areas:
- Human resources
- Professional standards
- Policy and accreditation
- Property and exhibits
- Business management
[edit] Support services
The support services division provides support to all other divisions as required, including a specialized response to ongoing crises and ensuring the continuous flow of information. This division is responsible for:
- Public safety communications
- Information technology
- Records management
- Tactical support
[edit] Fleet
The majority of marked patrol vehicles deployed by the service are Ford Crown Victoria police interceptors. Some other marked vehicles are a Dodge Durango and a Ford Econoline van. Patrol vehicles contain the traditional black-and-white paint scheme.
[edit] References
- 2006–2008 Business Plan, Lethbridge Regional Police Service. Accessed 15 August 2006.
