RCMP detail Christmas season activities

By Cole Parkinson
Vauxhall Advance

Christmas may be well in the rearview mirror now, but the Taber/Vauxhall RCMP are reporting it was a pretty quiet holiday season. During Municipal District of Taber’s regular council meeting on Jan. 24, a delegation from the RCMP was able to do a quick review of December. 

“It was a good Christmas and it was relatively calm in the M.D.,” stated Sgt. Stu Gemmill. 

In December, the RCMP saw 150 calls for service in the Taber/Vauxhall detachment area and 130 calls in the M.D. of Taber. There was one instance of impaired driving, 24/30 day suspensions/immediate roadside suspensions, 45 9-1-1 hang-ups, 24 criminal record checks, and four general fingerprints. Regarding patrols, there were 16 in Enchant, 33 in Grassy Lake, 17 in Hays, two in the M.D. Park, and two in Enchant Park. Total patrols in the M.D. totalled 151 with 12 violation tickets written by Taber RCMP, 11 violation tickets in the Taber detachment area, and five violation tickets in ITU (Lethbridge/Redcliff). 

Council also asked the delegation about the coming changes to victim services.

“When the province transitions victim services, and I understand the way it’s going to work, maybe I’m wrong, but the Town (of Taber) will take care of the town. Anything that is out in the M.D., victim service-wise will be directed out of Coaldale. Could you just explain what’s going to happen with that come April 1?” said Reeve Merrill Harris. 

“They are going to a regional setup,” responded Gemmill. “There is a plan in the works, and I can’t say anything for certain to try and keep things the way they are, but that will involve the approval of some MOUs between my agency, Taber, and Taber Police doing some things as well. We’re going to try and keep things the same, but yes, things are moving to a more regionalized model. I’m hoping for no change, but some pieces have to fall into place for that to happen.” 

Gemmill further explained how the RCMP works with the Taber Police Service and with the Town.

“We partner with Taber for a few things. We have an MOU to use their cells because their cells are decommissioned, so we’re hoping we can maybe create an MOU for that as well. It’s something we’re looking into and I can’t guarantee it. What I can tell you is we are moving to a regionalized model. We are looking at solutions,” he said. 

As Deputy Reeve Tamara Miyanaga works with victim services, she further explained the situation.

“The regionalized system doesn’t come into effect until April 1, 2024, so there is some time before anything has been formalized. As far as our office is aware, nothing has been formally announced at this time and currently, Horizon Victim Services serves the Taber Police Service and the Taber/Vauxhall RCMP detachment. If there is a change, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.”

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