The RCMP in Alberta says its members are committed to protecting communities impacted by wildfires. (Photo: EverythingGP, Pattison Media)

By Tanner Smith

Alberta RCMP committed to protecting evacuated communities

May 12, 2023 | 1:13 PM

EDMONTON, AB – As wildfires across the province have caused so many Albertans to evacuate from their homes, the RCMP says its members will be focusing on protecting these communities until it is safe for residents to return.

The RCMP will be using a number of policing techniques to ensure the safety and protection of impacted communities, hopefully giving residents some peace of mind during a difficult time.

As Alberta RCMP said in a news release, “We understand the protection of your property is second only to your loved ones.”

The different policing techniques, as noted in the release, include;

• Perimeter Control: By maintaining tight access control into an evacuated community, the Alberta RCMP can easily ascertain who’s authorized to work in a specific area and who might be unlawfully in the community.
• Roving Patrols: With the perimeter secured, marked police car patrols will regularly move through your community actively looking for signs of criminal activities, as well as individuals who are not authorized to be in the evacuated area. To enhance patrolling ability throughout the night, advanced optical and night vision technology mounted on our Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (drones) are being utilized to identify and accurately pinpoint any suspicious activity in your evacuated community.
• Quick Response Teams: Special Tactical Operations and Emergency Response Teams are in place to rapidly react to any incidents in your community. These members are specially trained officers equipped to deal with the most sensitive and dangerous situations.
• Investigative Teams: Experienced investigators will analyze and examine reports of suspicious activity and individuals. Our investigators will conduct targeted investigations of prolific offenders, criminal hot spots and utilize both overt and covert techniques to actively suppress crime and arrest those looking to take advantage of the evacuation.
• Crime Reduction Techniques: Various Crime Reduction equipment and strategies are being implemented within and around the evacuated areas. “Bait” vehicles and equipment for the most opportunistic offenders are being utilized to catch criminals in the act. Specialized Crime Reduction teams utilize covert crime detection and overt crime suppression strategies focusing on the most prolific offenders who are causing the most harm to our communities.

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Local RCMP officers will remain in the evacuated communities and are committed to keeping the area safe and secure until it is time for residents to return home. At this time, police thank all evacuees for their patience. For up-to-date information regarding the status of your community, click here.

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