Community Change From Within
Change comes from within. This is especially true when it comes to communities. Some communities will wait for others to fix their problems for them, and unfortunately they are left waiting a long time. The Boyle Street and McCauley communities have a strong community base, rich with history and passion.
In my position as Community Liaison Constable for Boyle Street and McCauley I have been aided by the community in many of my crime prevention initiatives. I would simply like to extend thanks to the community for all of their support, interest, and ideas, and for welcoming me into the community.
I came to the community Liaison Constable position for Boyle Street and McCauley in May of 2010. Since then I have noted many changes within the community. What I have come to realize though is that this change is only possible when the community gets involved and participates with the initiative.
So I thank you again for the steps you have taken to make your community a better place and for working in cooperation with the police. In 2011, I believe that we can achieve even more as a partnership.
This year, I have focused my efforts on gang and prostitution activities. I have focused police attention on areas plagued with prostitution by increasing police presence in unmarked police vehicles.
During these projects both the john and the prostitute are targeted. The point of this project is to let them both know this area does not allow that kind of activity on its streets. The community can help in this initiative by calling the EPS complaint line at (780) 423-4567 when you see a prostitute working or a john picking up a prostitute.
In 2011, I am reaching out to the community for a couple of things. First and foremost I am asking you to get to know your neighbours. Know them and be active with them in the community.
Another way to deter this activity is by using your community. Just as you do not feel comfortable using space that is occupied by prostitutes and people believed to be involved in drug and gang activity, they do not feel comfortable using the same space that the community members are active in.
Some community groups have organized walks through the community or activities at the park. This has the desired effect on the negative element and also gets you out of the house and interacting with your neighbours. Just by being present in the community as a group you are able to deter the criminal element from your area.
In 2011, I am reaching out to the community for a couple of things. First and foremost I am asking you to get to know your neighbours. Know them and be active with them in the community.
I am also asking for the community to identify some of their primary concerns to me along with possible solutions that incorporate both the police and the community working as partners. We can have a great year in 2011 as long as we make efforts towards the goals we want to achieve. I look forward to and welcome your feedback.
_Cst. Walkom can be reached at (780) 421-2603 or michael.walkom@edmontonpolice.ca