Sgt. Mike Williamson showing off LPS' new Community Peace Officer truck. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Sgt. Williamson heading up Lethbridge’s downtown policing unit

Oct 8, 2019 | 11:23 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge Police Service will have a new person in charge of their downtown police officers.

Sgt. Mike Williamson explains that this will not represent a significant shift in law enforcement for the area, but is instead more of a restructuring.

“As a sergeant, wherever there’s an organizational need, the executive can determine who’s the best fit for that. I have been in the downtown – I was there as a constable a few years ago, so going there, it’s a challenge, but I look forward to it.”

He admits that enforcement in downtown Lethbridge has been a bit of a struggle historically, but that is why they have implemented other programs like The Watch and the Community Peace Officers.

Although they do have different authorities and responsibilities, Sgt. Williamson wants to ensure all of these units are able to work together effectively.

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“When the Community Peace Officers are sole officer ready, they will be the first line of response to The Watch. If it’s something a little more serious, then obviously, our police officers will respond at that time.”

“They’re all going to work hand-in-hand and we really want to establish that relationship amongst The Watch, the Community Peace Officers, and the police officers going forward.”

Nine CPOs were sworn in back in July, while the Watch volunteers‘ were recently bolstered to around 40 people.

As Lethbridge News Now reported in September, Lethbridge Police have seen a significant increase in calls for service in the downtown area over the last year. It is important to note, however, that calls for service do not necessarily represent criminal activities.

For more information on calls for service and the impacts it has had on police resources, use this link.