"The Watch" volunteers Jeff Cove & Ashis Khadka

By Lara Fominoff

Downtown Lethbridge

“The Watch” – Building relationships as the eyes and ears of downtown Lethbridge

May 15, 2019 | 12:46 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A round of applause erupts in Galt Gardens as former Lethbridge Police Inspector Jeff Cove sings a short “Happy Birthday,” to a woman sitting at a picnic table with several others on a warm and sunny Tuesday afternoon.

Cove, who retired five years ago after nearly 29-years of service, is now one 25 initial volunteers recruited for The Ambassador Watch program, which operates from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

The program, modelled after similar groups in Winnipeg and Vancouver, has been operating for about two weeks in Lethbridge. The aim is not only to help reduce drug-related crime, theft and panhandling in the downtown area, but also to offer assistance to all residents in a variety of forms including providing directions, tourist information, first aid and safe walks.

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Volunteers cover a large area spanning from 6 Ave. S to 5 Ave. N. and west from the Indian Battle Park/Scenic Drive area to Mayor Magrath Drive.

The half dozen or so people sitting at the tables in the park are chatting together, as one woman applies her makeup and a group of men discuss a variety of topics, intermittently laughing about some sort of inside joke.

Cove, who took on the volunteer position two days a week, says he wanted a way to give back to the community. He laughs with everyone, asks them if they need anything, if they’re ok and where they’re all from as he shakes several hands and moves on.

“In essence, we’re the eyes and the ears of not just the police, but for EMS, for the fire department, for ARCHES, for DOT (Diversion Outreach Team), and there’s so many people out there that have advantage from having us out and about,” explains Cove.

“We see them; if it’s somebody who needs first aid, or some kind of assistance or a ride somewhere, or any of those kinds things. We get stereotyped -we’re just an arm of the police…but it’s actually more than that. Yes, we were trained by the police, but all of the other agencies took part in our training.”

His partner and team lead, Ashis Khadka is a Criminal Justice Studies student at Lethbridge College who one day hopes to become a member of the Lethbridge Police Service. He is one of 10 team leads, paid to work nearly full-time throughout the summer months, and speaks fluent Bhutanese.

Khadka soon notices another group of people a short distance away under a tree. Two of them appear as though they are very intoxicated, one is soundly sleeping, and two others are wandering amongst them. Khadka asks whether anyone needs any assistance but is told ‘no.’

“The Watch” volunteers speaking with people in Galt Gardens

“I just love talking to people; it’s one of the things I enjoy. We are helping people…if they need any help for example, EMS, Fire and DOT – we provide those.”

For the most part, Cove says volunteers have so far been received positively. There are those who are homeless or who spend much of their time on the streets who aren’t as approachable or receptive to interaction, however he says it’s still important they know volunteers are around. Watch Manager Jeff Hansen echoes that.

“I think at first they were a little apprehensive because they didn’t know who we were. You know… that first morning, May 1st, we had 10 people out on the streets right away. Within a couple of days, they developed a lot of those relationships… and now as we head into day 13 day 14, now they’re approaching them (Watch volunteers). They’re not as apprehensive.”

And it’s not just those who are homeless or addicted to drugs or alcohol who “The Watch” members stop and speak with. Anyone, including City Manager Bramwell Strain and staff at City Hall, tourists, and local business owners who happened to be walking along Cove and Khadka’s route were acknowledged with a handshake and some brief conversation.

Cove and Ashis stop to speak with City of Lethbridge employee Gerald Gauthier

“The conversations that we have are different,” explained Cove. “We’re not here to do any enforcement. We’re not here for any of that stuff. I’m just simply here; I’m talking to you from one human being to another human being just trying to find out are you ok? Are you in need of service? Is there some way we can help you? If the answer to those questions is no, we’re good and I’m walking down the street with the people that I volunteer with.”

As Cove and Khadka wrap up their shift and head back to LPS Headquarters, they both come across a couple who appear to need some assistance. The woman explains that she has a shoulder injury and she’s not sure how to get help. Immediately the duo calls for assistance from the DOT team, so she can be taken to the hospital for an evaluation.

“I just have to go and get my joint,” says the woman. “Will you stay here and meet me here after I get it? It helps with the pain.”

“We have a bus coming to help you,” says Cove. “It should be here in 10 minutes.”

“Thank you very much,” the woman says. “Thank you! I love you guys!”