The MD of Bonnyville's new Rural Policing Committee officially has a terms of reference set, and is ready to start the process of accepting applications from the public.
As part of the committee, two MD residents will provide input.
Director of public safety Chris Garner said they're hoping to have residents from different corners of the municipality.
"I think it would be good to have someone from each of our areas, perhaps someone from the Town of Bonnyville side of the MD and someone from the Cold Lake side."
During the MD of Bonnyville's regular council meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 30, Garner explained the role the committee would play.
“The responsibility of the committee would be to provide input to the RCMP and public safety department on priorities and objectives for law enforcement services within the MD,” he detailed.
In addition to discussing policing activities within the municipality, the group will also receive regular reports from local RCMP and the public safety department concerning policing issues, law enforcement initiatives, statistics, and information they request, review information sharing and cooperative projects being undertaken between these departments, and provide input to the local detachment for their annual business plan prior to review by municipal council.
Two MD of Bonnyville councillors, members of the public, Cold Lake RCMP S/Sgt. Scott Buchanan, Bonnyville RCMP S/Sgt. Sarah Parke, Garner, and the MD's public safety analyst will sit on the committee, which will be administered through the municipality's public safety department.
In order to be involved with the committee, residents must undergo a security clearance with the RCMP. Other requirements, such as signing a confidentiality agreement, and how to apply will be advertised once the MD is ready to accept applications.
Currently, the terms have the committee meeting on a monthly basis, however that could change.
"The committee could decide to adjust that," explained Garner, adding all of the terms are open for adaptation if the group feels the need.
"These were kind of a starting point for us, these terms of reference. Once the committee is up and running, there is really nothing to say that the members can't adjust them."
The MD decided to restore the Rural Policing Committee in November 2018, in order to create better communication and collaboration between the local RCMP and municipal peace officers.
Garner stressed the committee would be making recommendations to council, not making decisions.
"I think part of this is to create that regular communication between us and the RCMP, which at times has been lacking," stated Reeve Greg Sawchuk.
