Peace River town council received an executive briefing at its regular meeting Dec. 8 from BLU Alliance to analyze the Peace River Police Model Study.
Mayor Shelly Shannon says council expected to receive evidence-based recommendations outlining which policing model, or combination of models, would meet the town’s current and future needs.
“Peace River was strongly encouraged by the provincial government to take advantage of available grant funding,” says Shannon.
“This study allows us to objectively assess our current policing model, identify gaps in service, and better understand options that could improve public safety and policing coverage in our community.”
The study’s scope of analysis included assessment of the current state of policing and municipal enforcement, data analysis to identify trends, high-risk areas, and resource allocation needs, and stakeholder engagement to understand the community’s policing concerns.
“Council’s responsibility is to review the data, analysis, and recommendations provided in the report to ensure residents receive effective services and value for money,” explains Shannon.
“Whether that includes a CPO program or another approach will be determined by council once the study is fully reviewed.”
Peace River is part of a policing jurisdiction that is responsible for providing services to Peace River, Grimshaw, Berwyn, Nampa, Brownvale, Dixonville, Little Buffalo, Worsley, Northern Sunrise County, M.D. of Peace No. 135, Woodland Cree First Nation, Lubicon Lake Band, and Duncan’s First Nation.
The Peace Regional RCMP is allocated a staff of 40 full-time equivalent positions.
The Town’s 2025-26 fiscal year contribution to policing will be approximately $2.32 million.
Part of the analysis included evaluating 10-year crime trends, which show that in the municipality there has been a significant increase in crimes between 2021-24; the year 2021 saw a significant decline from 2020.
“Crime trends are influenced by several factors, including economic pressures, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the increased presence of highly addictive designer drugs contributing to addiction and related crime,” explains Shannon.
“Having a comprehensive, data-driven assessment strengthens Peace River’s position when discussing funding opportunities or support with the Province,” she adds.
The study shows the municipal profile of crimes committed are high volume and include mischief and disturbance, property crime, and mental health calls.
Top 10 file types in 2024 included 566 mischief calls, 307 non-moving traffic, 310 suspicious person and vehicle property calls, 211 wellbeing checks, 160 911 Act calls, 150 assist general public, 149 Mental Health Act, 148 assault calls, 129 disturbing the peace, and 109 moving traffic violations.
“The study was partially funded through a provincial grant, with the remaining costs covered by the Town of Peace River,” says Shannon.
“This study provides council with the information needed to make informed, long-term decisions about public safety and policing that align with community needs and available resources.”
The final analysis of the study is to include a dual strategy including maximizing control, aggressively leveraging a new Police Act governance tools to exert accountability over the existing RCMP contract, and build capacity by strategically investing in municipally-controlled community peace officers to supplement RCMP services and address local priorities.
This study is a continuing effort by town council to address various crimes in the community and find solutions to help reduce risk to residents and local businesses. Shannon says the study will be further evaluated in upcoming months.
A complete breakdown of the study can be found on the Town’s website.
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter