Southwest residents voice concerns during RCMP deployment model consultations

but it’s also how can we do better in terms of some of the new challenges we’re facing in 2020.”

Supt. Kunetzki also focussed on the importance of having more utilization of the Saskatchewan Crime Watch Advisory Network. This network allows RCMP to share with the public about criminal activity in their area.

“I think any time we can leverage technology to make our communities safer why wouldn’t we do that. Just like can we look at our deployment model to make things safer. Why wouldn’t we want to leverage communication tools, like the crime watch advisory network that we talked about. Lets leverage everything that we can to make ourselves safer.”

He also said the town hall series was an important outreach for the RCMP.

“If nothing else comes of the amazing attendance that we’ve had from all the Town Halls it will be that we’ve had an opportunity to communicate some of the challenges that we face and share those with the communities. And they’ve also had an opportunity to share with us what their fears are and concerns and what’s important to them.”

Cypress Hills Grasslands MP Jeremy Patzer attended three of the town hall meetings and said that he was happy to hear of the RCMP commitment to the Southwest.

“I think overall it was good,” Patzer said. “If there was one consistent message that we can take away from this entire process…is that no detachments will be closed, no members will be let go or there won’t be a reduction in service.”

“I think getting that point across was important for the RCMP to do and now the public is firmly aware of that, and I think that is very beneficial.”

Patzer said he will have the opportunity to share some of the feedback he heard with various committees in Ottawa.

“Having sat through and listened to what the public’s thoughts are on all of this, there are different sub committees - whether it be Rural Safety or the main committee on Public Safety - I can bring some of the concerns that the citizens have in regards to those areas and make sure that those things are heard.”