Airdrie RCMP Town Hall to be held tonight

Tonight on February 15, starting at 6 p.m. till 9 p.m. both the Airdrie RCMP and Municipal Enforcement are hosting a Town Hall in Council Chambers.

According to the city, the scope of this forum is for the public to provide local RCMP policing feedback, in relation to the City of Airdrie, though residents are also reminded that provincial and Federal policing initiatives must be addressed to higher levels of government and are not applicable at the municipal level.

"This is a chance for Airdrie residents to attend and share their feedback regarding safety in the community which will help set policing priorities for the coming year," the city stated.

The public will also have a chance to ask questions in person at the meeting, and for those who are unable to attend in person, a live stream of the event will be available on the city's website. Questions can be submitted throughout the evening via email: Police.townhall@airdrie.ca

Earlier this year, during a Municipal Advisory Board Meeting on January 27, Airdrie RCMP presented crime statistics for the previous year. While a one per cent increase in total criminal offences between 2021 and 2022 was observed by the Airdrie RCMP, the five-year-trend has shown that there has been 19 per cent decrease between 2018 and 2022.

During that meeting, Airdrie RCMP Staff Sargent Troy Switzer said that while there may be cause for concern regarding crime statistics, as there appears to be an increase in persons and property-related crime, especially when there has been a 23 per cent increase in the theft of motor vehicles, he did underline that there was a 14 per cent decrease in other criminal code offences.

Statistics provided by the Airdrie RCMP at a Municipal Advisory Board Meeting show that while there is an increase in crime from 2021-2022, the RCMP has seen a five-year downward trend. (Statistics Graphic provided by Airdrie RCMP) 

"Consistent with all the jurisdictions across Canada, our crime statistics decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we're beginning to see a rebound this year. With our numbers coming back up," Switzer previously said.

A similar RCMP Town Hall was also held in late January, which involved discussions surrounding rural policing in Rocky View County, Crossfield, Beiseker, Irricana, Acme, Linden and Kneehill County.

The city is also urging residents that if they wish to seek out information on personal cases, the public should contact the local RCMP Office for specific information related to their case.   

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