Shane Kisinger takes the new position of The Watch manager. (Photo: Lethbridge Police Service)

By Sarah Jones

Retired Lethbridge Police constable takes on new position with The Watch

Jan 26, 2023 | 4:08 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – After working with the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) as a constable for 18.5 years, Shane Kisinger was looking forward to retirement.

After hanging up his badge on January 1, 2023, retirement was short-lived for Kisinger when he was offered to take on the role as the new manager for The Watch program on January 4, 2023.

Kisinger will be assuming the position and overlooking the volunteers from The Watch that walk throughout the downtown core seven days per week, all year long.

“One of the major roles is just being an extra set of eyes and ears for both law enforcement, emergency services and other services that we can help assist and it’s also about safety downtown as well,” explained Kisinger.

He continued, “On top of that, we also assist with helping with treatments or getting people into treatments or being a resource for our unsheltered.”

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For the past three weeks, Kisinger has been training beside former Watch manager, Jeff Cove, who was also a retired LPS officer and one of the first volunteers to join The Watch when it was implemented in the spring of 2019.

Since accepting the position, Kisinger has had the opportunity to walk the streets a few times in the distinguishable red shirt, and says he plans to do so on a regular basis.

One thing Kisinger noted about the transition from an LPS member to a civilian position is the difference in responsibilities.

“To me, that’s very different in not having to take that enforcement role and just being there checking on people,” he said. “Also, being able to walk away from somebody when they don’t want your assistance as well, so that’s been different for me to wrap my mind around going into this new profession.”

Kisinger said he looks forward to joining the team and bringing in new ideas, but says he won’t be making changes any time soon as he adjusts to his new role.

Anyone who is looking to volunteer is encouraged to apply, as The Watch is always accepting applications.

Volunteers chosen to move forward will be provided with emergency First Aid training, including the administration of the nasal opioid overdose treatment Narcan.

Learn more about LPS The Watch program here.

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