Success Stories https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/SuccessStories.aspx Below is a list of stories and articles about the Edmonton Police Service and its members. en 11 Feb 2025 16:33:40 UT Commitment to Professionalism - Reduced Crime &amp; Victimization - Investigative Excellence - Increased Efficiency &amp; Effectiveness<br /> Copyright &copy; 2025, Edmonton Police Service. All rights reserved. Top concepts from ScamShield https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/SuccessStories/ScamShield Investor Protection Challenge selected to move forward. <p>The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC), in partnership with the Edmonton Police Foundation (EPF) and Edmonton Police Service (EPS), is pleased to provide an update on the ScamShield: Investor Protection Challenge.</p> <p><a href="https://www.asc.ca/en/News-and-Publications/News-Releases/2024/09/sept-04-New-challenge-seeks-to-tackle-online-crypto-investment-fraud-with-innovation">Launched in September 2024</a>, the challenge called for innovative solutions to address the growing threat of online crypto investment fraud. More than 30 submissions were received, and a diverse panel of judges selected two concepts that demonstrated the best approaches to tackling this pressing issue.</p> <p>&ldquo;We look forward to the further development of these two ideas and their potential to make a meaningful impact in combatting online crypto investment fraud,&rdquo; said Stan Magidson, Chair and CEO of the ASC. &ldquo;We congratulate the winners and thank everyone who participated in this challenge for their dedication to investor protection.&rdquo;</p> <p>&ldquo;The solutions presented through ScamShield highlight the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing this complex and pervasive issue,&rdquo; said Ashif Mawji, Past Chair of the Edmonton Police Foundation.</p> <p>&ldquo;While police continue to investigate the increasing amount of crypto investment frauds, it&rsquo;s encouraging to see so many people in the community united through the ScamShield challenge to address this particular type of fraud,&rdquo; said Deputy Chief Devin Laforce with the EPS Investigations and Support Services Bureau. &nbsp;&ldquo;Law enforcement can&rsquo;t tackle this problem alone, but with collective efforts like this, we can reduce these incidents and provide essential education and awareness to help Edmontonians identify this type of fraud. Thank you to everyone who participated in the challenge, and congratulations to the winners!&rdquo;</p> <p>More information about the winning solutions will be shared in the coming months. After they have undergone further stress testing, these tools will serve as important additions to the ASC&rsquo;s investor protection resources available on&nbsp;<a href="https://checkfirst.ca/">CheckFirst.ca</a>.</p> <p>Online crypto investment fraud continues to evolve, and Alberta investors remain a target of sophisticated scams. The ASC estimates that in 2023, more than 60 per cent of the $309 million in investment fraud reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre was tied to crypto schemes. As part of the EPF&rsquo;s Community</p> <p>Solutions Accelerator, ScamShield put forth a challenge to innovators to develop a solution to online crypto investment fraud that would complement the work already being done by the ASC and law enforcement.</p> <p>EPS and the EPF were the first to bring the Community Solutions Accelerator approach to policing in North America in 2020. The Community Solutions Accelerator leverages expertise, data, technology, and support from multiple sources to work collectively on challenges that have been identified by the community, social agencies, healthcare, and law enforcement.<br /> <br /> The ASC is the regulatory agency responsible for administering the province's securities laws. It is entrusted with fostering a fair and efficient capital market in Alberta and with protecting investors. As a member of the Canadian Securities Administrators, the ASC works to improve, coordinate and harmonize the regulation of Canada's capital markets.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><img alt="" style="height: 314px; width: 600px;" src="-/media/4C9C2A9E17684F18B14C05096F23762A.ashx?h=314&amp;w=600" /></span></p> 28 Jan 2025 20:32:33 UT EPS named top employer for the fifth time! https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/SuccessStories/Top85 Chief McFee proudly recognizes employees are the reason for the success. <p><iframe width="100%" height="315" src="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2FAb4gfPRPsXE&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cclaudia.steele%40edmontonpolice.ca%7C5776355b49f4468a19b808dd3fb53b45%7C4a63d3b4579d4d3fab1fb635704ba9bc%7C0%7C0%7C638736769817850132%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=PUVU%2BxE%2BrS7cU0gNdONOlBDvyWIVumXszvbYHR57xho%3D&amp;reserved=0" title="EPS is a Top Employer" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"></iframe> </p> <p><strong><span>EPS employees share in five-time Alberta top employer win</span></strong></p> <p><span>The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has been named one of Alberta&rsquo;s Top Employers for the fifth time and Police Chief Dale McFee is proudly recognizing that EPS&rsquo;s incredible people are the reason for the success.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>&ldquo;Our people are our strength, this wouldn&rsquo;t be possible without the dedication of sworn and civilian members and the support of the community we&rsquo;re proud to serve,&rdquo; said Chief Dale McFee.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Alberta&rsquo;s Top Employers is an annual competition coordinated by Mediacorp Canada Inc. recognizing employers that lead their industries in offering outstanding places to work.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Mediacorp Canada Inc. announced their winners online in partnership with job search engine Eluta.ca, and in the Edmonton Journal and Calgary Herald on Jan. 28, 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Employers are evaluated using eight criteria: Workplace; Work Atmosphere and Social; Health, Financial and Family Benefits; Vacation and Time Off; Employee Communications; Performance Management; Training and Skills Development; and Community Involvement.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Employers are also compared to other organizations in their field to determine which offers the most progressive and forward-thinking programs.</span></p> <p><span>&ldquo;Our police service reflects the community, so we&rsquo;re constantly evolving to meet the needs of citizens and employees alike,&rdquo; said Executive Director Katherine Salucop with EPS Human Resources.</span></p> <p><span>&ldquo;EPS has made significant changes to support greater community safety and well-being in recent years, which requires skilled and resilient employees to be a critical part of this transformation.&rdquo;</span></p> <p><span>Whether a sworn or civilian member, EPS offers one of Canada&rsquo;s best training programs to ensure its employees can handle ever-changing situations and tasks, with specialized continuing education programs developed with the University of Alberta and other accredited institutions based on employee feedback.</span></p> <p><span>EPS also provides a comprehensive benefits package to support its approximately 3,000 members professionally and personally throughout their careers, including a variety of supports and services for fitness, mental health, and the overall well-being of individuals and their families.</span></p> <p><span>Everyone at EPS has opportunities to grow and advance their careers within the organization depending on their interests, which encourages meaningful contributions and a culture of innovation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Chief McFee added, &ldquo;We really value our people as individuals and we want them to have long, fulfilling careers with us.&rdquo;</span></p> <p><span>&ldquo;At EPS, we&rsquo;re committed to fostering an environment where our people feel supported, challenged, and valued.&nbsp; If you&rsquo;re looking for a meaningful, rewarding career serving your community, we&rsquo;d love to have you join our team.&rdquo;</span></p> <p><span>If you are interested in a career with EPS, please visit <a href="http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/joineps">www.edmontonpolice.ca/joineps</a>.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>For more information on Alberta&rsquo;s Top Employers for 2025, visit <a href="http://www.canadastop100.com/alberta">www.canadastop100.com/alberta</a>.&nbsp; </span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p><img alt="" style="height:750px; width:547px;" src="-/media/9438E49AACD748628DEE25AE546CC593.ashx" /></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> 28 Jan 2025 15:40:13 UT Lace ’em up and Rip it! https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/SuccessStories/Macauley2025 The 14th annual McCauley Cup was one to remember. <p><iframe width="100%" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lDEdXXAg8kQ?si=4Gf6yYH23aC0jVcx" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"></iframe>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">While the Oilers hosted the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday afternoon, another major hockey event was taking place not far away in the neighbourhood of McCauley. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&ldquo;I call it the gem of McCauley, the rink. It's a community meeting place,&rdquo; said McCauley rink manager Dan Glugosh. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">He spends countless hours preparing the ice for the much-anticipated game.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&ldquo;We open December 2<sup>nd</sup>, and the first question is, when's the McCauley Cup?&rdquo; </span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Not only do kids and residents get to play members of the EPS in a fun game of shinny, it is also an opportunity for the police and community to come together and build stronger ties.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&ldquo;It's fun playing against them. It gives you more interaction with the police when they're not doing their job, protecting the community and all that,&rdquo; said local resident Justen Herbert.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Organized by Downtown Beats, this year&rsquo;s edition was the last for Chief Dale McFee who announced his retirement from the EPS&nbsp;</span>last month.</p> <p style="margin: 0cm;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&ldquo;This community in particular has been&nbsp;</span>a resilient community, and I&rsquo;m&nbsp;just so proud of our folks for what they've been doing with the community and what the community's been doing with us. So,&nbsp;definitely&nbsp;gonna miss it,&rdquo; McFee said.</p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><strong><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">McFee, Glugosh, and Oilers legend Al Hamilton, were recognized for their contributions to the event. It was&nbsp;</span>Hamilton who helped bring the rink back to life after it had fallen into disrepair and neglect.</p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&ldquo;They approached me many years ago to get involved and&nbsp;it </span>seemed&nbsp;like a good thing. I came here and there were some old boards. I looked in and&nbsp;there&nbsp;was&nbsp;some guys sleeping&nbsp;inside&hellip;so we just jumped in and got going on it,&rdquo; said Hamilton.</p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">What started as a reclamation project is now an annual tradition in the heart of McCauley.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&ldquo;There&rsquo;re just kids being kids. And you know, for me that's the payoff,&rdquo; added Glugosh.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;">The McCauley squad was able to score a late goal in regulation to pull off a victory against team EPS. But there&rsquo;s always next year.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">&nbsp;</span></p> 27 Jan 2025 20:42:25 UT January 4th marks Canada’s National Ribbon Skirt Day https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/SuccessStories/RibbonSkirtDay Ribbon Skirts are a statement of Indigenous pride, and for many, wearing a ribbon skirt reflects their identity. <p>Imagine putting on your finest and being told it wasn&rsquo;t good enough? That&rsquo;s exactly what happened to 12-year-old Isabella Kulak. In 2020 the ten-year-old wore a ribbon skirt to school for &ldquo;formal day&rdquo; only to be told by school staff they didn&rsquo;t consider the skirt to be formal wear.&nbsp;</p> <p>Isabella told her family what happened, her aunt posted about it on Facebook and that started a wave of support that rolled across the nation. People from coast to coast sent Isabella letters and cards of support, more ribbon skirts and posted pictures of themselves wearing them.</p> <p>The movement led Senator Mary Jane McCallum to put forward a bill to recognize National Ribbon Skirt Day. When it passed in 2022, Isabella said &ldquo;now everybody can wear their ribbon skirt with pride without feeling ashamed.&rdquo;</p> <p>There are many teachings and customs related to ribbon skirts. &nbsp;Some Indigenous People have traditionally worn these skirts for ceremonial practices, while others adopted the use in everyday wear, and some do not observe these practices at all.&nbsp;For many wearing a ribbon skirt reflects their identity. It helps tell the story of their role in the community and are a statement of Indigenous pride. &nbsp;</p> <p>Wearing the ribbon skirt has also become a symbol of activism to raise awareness for MMIWG2S+, Land Back, and Every Child Matters issues. &nbsp;Today ribbon skirts are worn by men, women, Two-Spirited, and gender-neutral folks, as well as non-Indigenous people at ceremonies, or as part of their daily outfits.</p> <p>If you want a ribbon skirt of your own, to prevent cultural appropriation please purchase from an Indigenous artisan. If you have more questions and want to learn more, please reach out to the Community Relations team.&nbsp;</p> 03 Jan 2025 17:53:45 UT Edmonton police officers give gift of hope https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/SuccessStories/GiftOfHope Officers go beyond the badge for their community. <p>&ldquo;The house was in darkness. There was no furniture.&rdquo;</p> <p>It sounds like the start of a Charles Dickens novel but this was the desperate sight that greeted EPS Constable Amanda Thompson when she responded to a welfare check.</p> <p>What Thompson found in that dark house was a single mother of four who had just escaped an abusive situation.</p> <p>The woman admitted she was struggling. She was estranged from her family and living with neighbors.</p> <p>Thompson, who was once a single mother herself, could empathize.</p> <p>&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know what it was about this family. Mom just kind of spoke to me a little bit.&nbsp; She&rsquo;s tried everything. She has a support worker, Family Services lined up, and it seemed like she&rsquo;s trying everything and not just getting ahead.&rdquo;</p> <p>This was not a call Thompson could just walk away from.&nbsp;</p> <p>She decided to bring &ldquo;a little Christmas spirit&rdquo; into the woman&rsquo;s life. She sought out donations from her fellow officers and an online mom&rsquo;s group.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" style="height: 338px; width: 450px;" src="-/media/ED1B78D90B0448BCBD7FBD0F73940434.ashx?h=338&amp;w=450" /></p> <p>&ldquo;The community has really stepped up,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;We received toys, clothes, gift cards, and $450 in cash.&rdquo;</p> <p>For her part, Thompson is also buying the family a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. In the meantime, she has put the woman in touch with additional resources through the Edmonton Police Service HELP team.</p> <p>Thompson is not alone in giving back to the community.</p> <p>Constable Matthew Bruno has made it a &ldquo;priority to try to dedicate a portion of my time to help others.&rdquo;</p> <p>Last year, Bruno and fellow officers donated $200 worth of toys to the Stollery Children&rsquo;s Hospital. This year, he set out to raise $10,000 to buy toys for children at the Stollery, Kids&rsquo; Cottage, and other organizations.</p> <p>He managed to meet his fundraising goal thanks to a year&rsquo;s worth of bottle drives, which he did on his own time, and generous donations from local businesses, the Edmonton Police Association, and the Edmonton Police Foundation.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" style="height: 300px; width: 450px;" src="-/media/77AD541545A04ABCAC01A764A5BCE252.ashx?h=300&amp;w=450" /></p> <p>&ldquo;I wish they could see the impact they have because when you physically go to the Stollery and you give a kid a toy, you must experience it to understand it. The kids are very grateful for the visit.&rdquo;</p> <p>Bruno believes that as a police officer he has an obligation to be a leader, and to motivate and give people hope, particularly children.</p> <p>&ldquo;I think they say it takes a village to raise kids, right? And even though they may not have that village, we, as police, can always step up and help be that village.&rdquo;</p> 24 Dec 2024 07:00:00 UT EPS, Technology North research development project involving neurodivergent employees successful https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/SuccessStories/TechnologyNorth Technology North autism employment program is now permanent at EPS. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1bdHphuyy5E?si=L94MCzvjfwM5kmLJ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"></iframe> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) and IT company Technology North have successfully completed a research development project and are moving forward with a permanent autism employment program for body worn video redaction.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><img alt="" style="height: 306px; width: 450px;" src="-/media/5A87538DB416410BBEB2F607161E3CF7.ashx?h=306&amp;w=450" /></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><img alt="" style="height: 318px; width: 450px;" src="-/media/B380F10DEAE94749BF6DD0184CE51D4F.ashx?h=318&amp;w=450" /></span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">In June 2024, Technology North and the EPS partnered to launch a research development project involving the redaction of body worn camera footage in low complexity incidents. The project, which employed four of Technology North&rsquo;s employees, all of whom are on the autism spectrum, successfully concluded in October, and recently, both organizations solidified a service agreement to make the program a permanent part of the EPS&rsquo; Digital Evidence and Records Management Unit. Compensated within the EPS&rsquo; existing operational budget, Technology North&rsquo;s employees have begun working on an as-needed, contract basis, with the expectation of hiring additional team members as body worn cameras continued to be deployed across the service throughout 2025.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><img alt="" style="height: 300px; width: 450px;" src="-/media/0CF33E7123924A67BE9A8351955E859B.ashx?h=300&amp;w=450" /></span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">&ldquo;We are thrilled to say this development project was a resounding success, and we look forward to welcoming additional members of the Technology North team in 2025,&rdquo; says Supt. Derek McIntyre with the EPS Information and Analytics Division. &ldquo;As we begin planning the phased deployment of body worn cameras to the remainder of the service, the volume of footage requiring redaction will only continue to increase and we are excited to know that the Technology North team will be available to support this need.&rdquo;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><img alt="" style="height: 300px; width: 450px;" src="-/media/DCAF216B4339450AA6DBBDFE4CB60938.ashx?h=300&amp;w=450" /></span></p> 18 Dec 2024 21:17:24 UT A fabulous caper: Operation Find Santa https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/SuccessStories/OperationSanta2024 “I absolutely loved that today.” <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LViOnsOrPis?si=h-6rMlKBvJEF6qV2" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"></iframe> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">West Edmonton Mall&nbsp;</span>was&nbsp;a&nbsp;hive&nbsp;of activity Saturday, but not because of Christmas shoppers.&nbsp;Santa and the Grinch were on&nbsp;scene, along with dozens of families and Edmonton Police Service members.</p> <p style="margin: 0cm;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><img alt="" style="height: 334px; width: 500px;" src="-/media/F984F89C7A094729B1AAB079DAC7A80C.ashx?h=334&amp;w=500" /></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&ldquo;Police are partnered with&nbsp;</span>a number of&nbsp;families from the Bent Arrow Society. Families identified as people in need or have certain challenges for the holiday season. We're just trying to make that holiday season a little bit brighter for them,&rdquo; said Deputy Chief Devin Laforce.&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0cm;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><img alt="" style="height: 335px; width: 500px;" src="-/media/860E7E3F71EB498784C25023539B75BC.ashx?h=335&amp;w=500" /></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The morning began with a beautiful breakfast before&nbsp;</span>children&nbsp;learned of a Christmas caper.&nbsp;<strong><span>Their mission:&nbsp;</span></strong>find Santa who had been kidnapped by the Grinch. The young sleuths searched for clues around the mall while picking up gifts at six&nbsp;different&nbsp;stores.</p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&ldquo;The kids are just beaming ear to ear,&rdquo; said Laforce while helping his teammates look for clues.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a; color: #0e101a;">Operation Find Santa was organized by the Edmonton Police Foundation.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><img alt="" style="height: 364px; width: 500px;" src="-/media/29BC0FAD1C7B47DCBD75E62540D14CE8.ashx?h=364&amp;w=500" /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">For many&nbsp;</span>of the&nbsp;families, the event was a much-needed break from reality.</p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&ldquo;I was actually in a domestic and family violence program, and that's how I&nbsp;</span>actually&nbsp;heard about this event,&rdquo; said Jordanna Houle. <span style="color: #0e101a;">&ldquo;People in my situation, we kind of feel like outcasts. But it's good to know that events like these bring us all together and that we're not alone in it.&rdquo;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><img alt="" style="height: 334px; width: 500px;" src="-/media/4FCDD62DF5194454B7C732E630976B46.ashx?h=334&amp;w=500" /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">In the end, the caper was solved. Santa was saved. The families went home with plenty of presents to put under the tree, and everyone left with a little Christmas cheer.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><img alt="" style="height: 334px; width: 500px;" src="-/media/2176E4E553DD444CBD811BE1589D74FE.ashx?h=334&amp;w=500" /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">EPS police cadet Samuel Ritchie summed up the true meaning of the day when he said: &ldquo;It was so human and like real.&nbsp;</span>It&nbsp;hit me right here in the heart. I&nbsp;absolutely&nbsp;loved it.&rdquo; </p> 17 Dec 2024 20:25:51 UT Auto thieves caught in a TRAP https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/SuccessStories/TRAP “I’m glad they know we’re out there.” <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O0T5y8VkBNk?si=XHYbovHkRlpi_BgT" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"></iframe> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">You may or may not be aware, but there is a cat and mouse scenario that happens daily in Edmonton. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">And it&rsquo;s much more sophisticated than Cops and Robbers. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Auto theft is a&nbsp;now </span>nation-wide&nbsp;issue with the federal government calling for stiffer measures to prevent criminals from selling stolen vehicles in Canada or abroad. That&rsquo;s where the TRAP team comes in to play.</p> <p style="margin: 0cm;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&ldquo;In the city of Edmonton auto theft remains high, we are averaging around 3000 vehicles thefts per year,</span>&rdquo; said Acting Staff Sergeant Ian Strom.</p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><strong><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">TRAP stands for Targeted Response to Auto Theft Prevention. The unit does its best work unseen, in the background. Anonymity is one of its top weapons. The officers are in plain clothes and drive unmarked vehicles, so they won&rsquo;t alarm suspects and to avoid criminal flights.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&ldquo;I would say we're seeing probably two to four offenders fleeing from police members daily here in the city. These offenders drive in a very aggressive manner, which is&nbsp;</span>obviously&nbsp;very dangerous to the public,&rdquo; said Strom.</p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">TRAP partners with aerial and four legged allies when it comes to criminal flights. They rely on Air 1 and the Canine Unit to help them apprehend criminals.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&ldquo;I believe last year TRAP recovered just under 600 vehicles and we had just under 500 arrests. We're averaging&nbsp;</span>right&nbsp;around that $18 million a year in asset recovery between our TRAP teams,&rdquo; said Strom.</p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Despite the successes, TRAP members know the work won&rsquo;t likely slow down anytime soon. Criminals are emboldened by the relatively light sentences handed down by the courts for auto theft crimes. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">However, the work TRAP is doing is having an impact on the crime circles it targets.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">&ldquo;When we arrest bad guys, they know who we are. They're like, &lsquo;</span>you&nbsp;guys are with TRAP. We don't like TRAP. We try to stay out of Edmonton because of TRAP.&rdquo; said Acting Sgt. Donald Lawrence.</p> <p>&ldquo;I'm glad they know we're out there. Maybe make them think twice before they steal a vehicle or enter into a criminal flight event,&rdquo; added Strom. </p> 16 Dec 2024 17:32:08 UT A new home for original Air 1 https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/SuccessStories/Air1 Police helicopter is part of display telling the story of Edmonton’s aviation history. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h_ELGn7aIaU?si=NbpfY0z7iDloPbbD" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"></iframe> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">The original Air 1 police helicopter has a new home.</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">The helicopter, which first took to the sky in 2001, is on permanent display at the </span><a href="https://albertaaviationmuseum.com/"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Alberta Aviation Museum</span></a><span style="line-height: 107%;">.</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">&ldquo;This is an integral part of Edmonton&rsquo;s aviation history,&rdquo; says Jean Lauzon, executive director of the museum.</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">In its two decades of operation, Air 1 proved itself to be a fundamental part of EPS operations and an invaluable investment in community safety.</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">The fact that Air 1 made it into the air at all was due to the work of a dedicated group of EPS employees who eventually became the first flight crew, and a grass roots movement from the community.</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">&ldquo;Everybody remembers the fundraising campaign,&rdquo; says museum curator Ryan Lee. </span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">The Spotlight on Safety campaign raised $1 million, with everyday Edmontonians donating most of the funds.</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">Air 1 made its public debut on August 5, 2001, at Heritage Days. </span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">On August 8<sup>th</sup>, took off from the City Centre Airport for its first patrol flight.</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">During its lifetime, the helicopter responded to more than 50,000 events and was often the first police vehicle on scene.</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">Museum volunteers spent hundreds of hours refurbishing the helicopter, getting all the details just right: &ldquo;We always make sure when we are done it should like it could go out the door and be flying.&rdquo;</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">Lauzon says, &ldquo;People in Edmonton need to be proud of what Air 1 and law enforcement have done for the city of Edmonton.&rdquo;</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">Visit the </span><a href="https://albertaaviationmuseum.com/"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Alberta Aviation Museum</span></a><span style="line-height: 107%;"> website to plan your visit.</span></p> 10 Dec 2024 17:05:48 UT Bridges renamed in honour of fallen officers https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/SuccessStories/MemorialBridge The bridges were dedicated to the memories of Constables Jordan and Ryan. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2HZae4m6s64?si=OsW-Q-_ug7dvjKP9" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"></iframe> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">Two bridges on Anthony Henday Drive were renamed in honour of Constable Travis Jordan and Constable Brett Ryan.</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">The bridges are located over the North Saskatchewan River between Terwilliger Drive and Maskekosihki Trail and run parallel to one another.</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%; color: black;">&ldquo;The eastbound bridge, which is directly behind me, is dedicated as the Constable Travis Jordan Memorial Bridge in memory of Constable Jordan,&rdquo; </span><span style="line-height: 107%;">Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, said.</span><span style="line-height: 107%; color: black;"> &ldquo;The westbound bridge is dedicated as the Constable Brett Ryan Memorial Bridge in memory of Constable Ryan.&rdquo;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="line-height: 107%;"><img alt="" style="height: 334px; width: 500px;" src="-/media/1D4C3BC301504F20B3891FC07033E3F5.ashx?h=334&amp;w=500" /></span></strong></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">Chief Dale McFee, members of the Jordan and Ryan families, and a contingent of EPS officers, joined the minister at the dedication ceremony.</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">Chief McFee said naming the bridges is &ldquo;something that will last. These two young men were real, and they paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting our citizens and that&rsquo;s what we want people driving across these bridges to remember.&rdquo;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="-/media/D213E2C52C054AF1851B3F7399AE9B58.ashx"><img alt="" style="height: 342px; width: 500px;" src="-/media/D213E2C52C054AF1851B3F7399AE9B58.ashx?h=342&amp;w=500" /></a>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">Edmonton Police Commission Chairman John McDougall said: &ldquo;The Edmonton Police Commission is supportive of naming this bridge in honour of their memory to serve as a testament to their bravery and sacrifice for many years to come.&rdquo;</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 107%;">Following the remarks, a plaque commemorating the two officers was unveiled.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="-/media/1A002D16CA5F4093B807C2EBD4B292BB.ashx"><img alt="" style="height: 334px; width: 500px;" src="-/media/1A002D16CA5F4093B807C2EBD4B292BB.ashx?h=334&amp;w=500" /></a></span></p> 29 Nov 2024 19:41:18 UT