Richard Froese
South Peace News

Police are responding to concerns of criminal activity expressed by Big Lakes County council.

At its regular meeting Oct. 9, focuses on speeding and thefts in hamlets and the drug activity were discussed with Faust RCMP Cpl. Dennis Kerr and High Prairie RCMP Cpl. Sherrie Choo, who attended the meeting.

CAO David Reynolds says the hamlets of Kinuso, Joussard and Grouard have particular concerns of crime.

All-terrain vehicles driven by adults and even young children in hamlets, have been a concern by the county for many years.

Kerr told council the Alberta Sheriffs have been ordered by the government to have a wider presence and patrols in rural areas.

“I’ve told them about Kinuso, Joussard and Grouard,” Bell said.

“It’s on their radar.”

Police have been advised to watch out for speeding ATVs and children driving them, many of them not wearing helmets.

Joussard Councillor Richard Mifflin recommends officers raise the level of enforcement of those traffic violations. He says it’s time to lay down the law and hand out tickets.

“There’s no more warnings,” Mifflin suggested.

Break-ins and thefts in hamlets are another concern, he added.

Officers and council also discussed the concern of the growing drug trade.

Bell and Choo replied police are doing the best they can do, under their powers, to tackle the illegal drug trade.

Grouard Councillor Jeff Chalifoux asked if police could offer any preventive programs to present youth information to live their lives away from crime and drugs.

“Maybe the RCMP will initiate drug-prevention programs, such as the DARE program, in schools to reduce drugs and gangs,” Chalifoux said.

Drug Abuse Resistance Education is a police officer-led program to give students from kindergarten to Grade 12 skills they need to avoid getting involved with drugs, gangs and violence – how to resist pressure and live healthy lives free of drugs, alcohol, gangs and violence.

DARE was discontinued in Edmonton schools in 2014 and has not been held for many years in High Prairie and area schools. It was taught to upper elementary school students over several weeks.