February, a month known prominently for Valentines Day, is potentially a big month for the Estevan Police Service, as a number of new programs slated for the month of love may come to fruition.
The police service has expressed interest and is actively looking for a new Drug Intelligence Unit that will complement the increased emphasis on drug trafficking in Estevan, something police Chief Paul Ladouceur has stressed since he became the city’s new police chief in April of last year.
“The unit will focus on drug investigation and enforcement and will work closely with neighbouring agencies in and out of the province, because drug trafficking can be quite transient in nature,” Ladouceur said.
Intelligence gathering within the city will be a big part of the unit’s focus, ultimately meaning that all gang and criminal activity will be actively pursued and noted. Police informants who have information on any suspicious behaviour, especially regarding drug activity, will be a point of emphasis for police in 2015.
“We will be encouraging the public to come forward in 2015, so don’t be shy to pick up that phone if you see any drug-related activities,” Ladouceur said. “The public is often afraid to come forward with drug-related information, but every individual has the right to come forward.”
He noted there is certain legislation that requires police to protect identities, adding it’s emphasized heavily in situations where informants are involved.
The drug intelligence unit will also serve as a liaison with Crime Stoppers.
The police are in the midst of interviewing potential candidates and the program should be up and running by the beginning of February.
The Containment Warrant Entry Team (CWET), a project Ladouceur revealed back in September, will likely be ready for operation sometime in February. The team will consist of officers with a high level of physical fitness that will have access to specialized equipment like new breaching tools, thicker bulletproof vests and heavier ammunition. CWET will be used in a variety of situations.
Ladouceur said the project is in the team selection and training stage, which he described as a “vigorous” process for the candidates.
Another project slated for operation in February will be the introduction of an Elder Abuse Co-ordinator.
“That person’s position will involve responding to seniors needs within the community,” he said, noting the frequency with which seniors are targeted by fraudsters.
