Boyle McCauley News

Since 1979 • April-May 2024 • Circulation 5000

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More on the Community Action Team (CAT)

Again I had the privilege of organizing the last CAT deployment from February 19-22. The last CAT I was in charge of was in December. Due to its huge success we were asked to deploy in the same area as last time. In addition, we track crime every day and it was determined through EPS analysts and Edmonton Transit Security (ETS) analysts that the LRT main line from Churchill Station to Coliseum Station during certain times was one of the higher areas of crime in the downtown area. Looking at our crime stats we decided to deploy between the hours of 12 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The CAT deployment is part of a Violence Reduction Strategy, Edmonton Police Service (EPS) implements monthly. The (CAT) deploys to high-risk places and neighbourhoods in an effort to reduce the severity, frequency, and fear and perception of violence and disorder.

CAT is an organized and focused mobile police unit created to identify and target struggling, at-risk communities in the City of Edmonton. It is supplemented by a variety of community partners. CAT empowers, educates, and reassures communities that the EPS is dedicated to curbing crime and restoring the faith of our citizens through its part in the Violence Reduction Strategy.

During this CAT deployment EPS partnered with Edmonton Transit Security (ETS) for the suppression and enforcement portion. We conducted deliberate and focused enforcement in and around the LRT at Churchill Station, Stadium Station, and Coliseum Station. We also focused in and around the Stanley Milner Library and the City Center Mall. There were many arrests made and over4000 public interactions.

The CAT project is twofold in its deployment. It also involves prevention, intervention, and education. We again partnered up with REACH and the EPS Cadets. The City Centre Mall supplied us with tables and a place to set up a booth. Sorrentino’s, from the City Centre Mall, donated free coffee for the event. It’s amazing how free coffee will attract people. We set up at the entrance to the pedway system near the food court in the mall. This was a great spot to bring people to the booth. REACH staff interacted with record breaking amount of people numbering over 2000. We either gave them crime prevention material or referred them to an agency which would have assisted them in some way.

During the CAT deployment, we had numerous people approach us and make comments such as, “I have never felt so safe walking around down here more so than in the last three days!” Seniors and patrons riding the LRT system regularly commented to our members on how safe they felt riding the trains these last four days . . . especially the last two days. Our members stated that they could tell that the patrons were definitely much more relaxed and there was little to no tension in the “air.”

When I hear these comments coming from the community I find all the hard work worth it!

_Cst. Wasmuth can be contacted at darren.wasmuth@edmontonpolice.ca

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