The Airdrie RCMP and Airdrie Municipal Enforcement will be back on their bikes at the end of the school year patrolling Airdrie's streets and pathways.

This is the second year of the program, the first year was deemed successful by the Airdrie RCMP.

Last year, the goal of the project was to engage the youth and the general public in a positive way while simultaneously addressing “nuisance” concerns from residents. The nuisance behaviour targeted included noise complaints, graffiti, car prowling and bridge jumping.

From June 30 to September 8, 2023, RCMP and Municipal Enforcement officers’:

  • Attended community events including Canada Day celebrations, block parties, the Airdrie Rodeo, Airdrie circus, Mighty Machines event at the Airdrie library, festivals and community engagement forums.
  • With the support of Circle K and Dairy Queen, officers distributed over 3000 positive tickets to community members “caught” displaying good behaviour. Tickets were exchanged for cold treats at Airdrie Circle K and Dairy Queen stores.
  • 159 warnings were issued for provincial and municipal offences. Offences included: off-leash dogs, youth not wearing helmets, noise violations, bridge jumping, panhandling and open liquor violations/the Cannabis Act.
  • Officers investigated another 61 nuisance complaints. Further, they participated in road safety operations in construction and playground zones.

This year, Tyler MacPhail, a member of the RCMP Community Policing Unit stated the goals remain the same to make Airdrie a safer place.

"We're going to be focusing on a crime reduction initiative along with a community relations aspect of it. You will see us at all kinds of public events."

MacPhail stated last year they received a lot of praise from residents about how happy they were to see them out and about. He mentioned it means a lot to know people are happy to see them patrolling on bikes.

"It's more of a covert type of enforcement where you don't hear us unnecessarily, but we're always around."

Once again they will be having their positive ticket campaign this year, MacPhail did not want to say exactly what they will be handing out as it will be a good surprise for those who receive them.

"If residents would like to see extra patrols in their area, they're more than welcome to reach out to the Airdrie detachment."

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