By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

Police address downtown problem areas in new monthly reports

Mar 6, 2017 | 4:16 AM

LETHBRIDGE – Lethbridge Police are doing more than you might think to keep the city’s downtown safe.
 
The Downtown Policing Unit (DPU) continually addresses problem areas, but is now letting the police commission know what they’re up to with detailed, monthly reports.
 
“They get a lot of feedback from the community, so if they’re armed with the information, that allows them to address individual inquiries,” explained Insp. Tom Ascroft, in an interview with Lethbridge News Now.
 
The first report, presented during February’s meeting, focused on the following areas:
 
– The Library: DPU members are walking through the building on a frequent basis. Feedback was mostly positive, and the staff appreciate the police presence. Safety education and drug awareness training are a priority for staff moving forward.
 
– Lethbridge Centre: Another area for frequent stops. The DPU is also making an effort to consult with business owners, mall management and security. Suggestions on how to increase the security staff’s ability to handle problems and how aesthetics can be improved for safety and visibility were well received by all.
 
– Park Place Mall: Daily foot patrols are being executed, as well as regular public engagement with security staff. The two have a close working relationship, and extra foot patrols were done during cold weather snaps to ensure no one was lingering after hours. 
 
– Area of 5 St S and 5 Ave S: One local business had concerns regarding staff and the process required to get information across to police. Those concerns were worked through, and the owners have been encouraged to contact the DPU directly. Further follow up is expected.
 
– Centre Village Mall: The DPU has increased its presence in response to a marked increase in the number of people using the mall, as well as other intoxicated and trouble causing subjects. Meetings with mall management have resulted in a solid working relationship, and improvements are being noticed. The mall is also moving to a different security company. Regular monitoring by the DPU will continue.
 
Insp. Ascroft said that it can be challenging to address each different root cause.
 
“It’s always frustrating that some of these things are long-term problems that require long-term solutions. As the police, we displace things, we work on things, but some of them have their roots in things that aren’t necessarily within our purview to correct in a permanent way.”
 
He added that each location is chosen based on concern, and each specific issue is assigned to a member of the DPU. Ascroft says there are always certain areas that need to be focused on, that are expected to consistently be part of each monthly report.
 
Lethbridge’s police commission meets on the last Wednesday of every month.