Paintearth county council was introduced to its new RCMP detachment commander. Introductions were made at the Nov. 26 regular meeting of council.
Sgt. Jeremy Hoole, non-commissioned officer (NCO) in charge of the Coronation detachment, appeared at council to introduce himself and discuss policing activities.
Hoole noted he grew up in rural Saskatchewan and understands rural policing. Hoole stated he transferred to Coronation a few months ago with that detachment being without a commander for about a year.
While Hoole noted the detachment releases quarterly reports on police activity in Paintearth and region the sergeant wanted to introduce himself to council. Looking at quarterly reports, Hoole observed that crime statistics appear to be consistent.
RCMP in Paintearth deal with a lot of traffic issues stated the sergeant which Hoole noted tends to increase the officer’s visibility in the community.
Hoole also discussed an issue closely linked to attracting RCMP members to work in Paintearth: living accommodations. The sergeant noted there are currently two houses for RCMP in Coronation and he said he’d like to see that number boosted to five, one house for each member. Apparently, more housing is in the works but must proceed through a process within the RCMP.
Several councillors stated that if there’s anything the County of Paintearth can do to assist, the municipality would be happy to do so with Hoole noting he wasn’t sure if new housing would be existing homes or newly-built ones.
It was also mentioned a case has been put forward to increase the Coronation detachment’s number of police officers, but the sergeant confirmed those decisions rely heavily on funding. He noted that Alberta gets about five new RCMP cadets per month, but that’s for the entire province.
Hoole noted that the RCMP are introducing body-worn cameras and observed Coronation RCMP should be using them by spring, 2025.
He stated his philosophy with those cameras is that when an RCMP officer takes his seatbelt off, the camera should be turned on. Of course, some privacy issues involving places like hospitals and schools may affect that.
When asked what his opinion of body-worn cameras is Hoole responded, “Long overdue.”
Hoole pointed out RCMP officers are trained to work within their legal authority and with the camera rolling officers are comfortable following their training. The sergeant pointed out with cell phones and security cameras there is already a lot of recording going on in society anyway.
The discussion swung around to rural crime; Hoole stated many professional criminals come from urban areas like Red Deer, commit crimes in the County of Paintearth, then head home.
Hoole noted he strongly encourages his officers to work in local schools, including on Hutterite colonies, and stated that police often discuss things like tobacco and highway safety with youth.
Councillors noted Hoole had big shoes to fill as his predecessor, Sgt. John Pike, was well-liked and respected in the community with councillors adding a welcome to Hoole.
The new sergeant stated he’s encouraging officers to get out and about in the community as much as possible, a strategy both beneficial to the officers and the public.
Councillors briefly mentioned the Alberta K Division contract coming due in 2032 and if the RCMP had plans for that event.
Hoole responded he didn’t know much about that but added, “The RCMP is strong and will remain strong.”
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
