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View Poll Results: Would You Support Volunteer Police Departments?
Yes 79 45.14%
No 96 54.86%
Voters: 175. You may not vote on this poll

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  #1  
Old 10-11-2017, 11:44 AM
raab raab is offline
 
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Default Solution for Rural Crime?

Ive been thinking of the problem concerning rural crime and think Ive come up with an answer to it. That being volunteer Police teams similar to a volunteer Fire Department.

Basically what they would be is a group of volunteers who are funded by the municipal government. These volunteers would do training in apprehension and work along side the RCMP. They would NOT be used in regular police work like ticketing, domestic disputes, etc.... But would be called in for apprehension of criminals and Search and Rescue.

One of the biggest problems in Rural Alberta is that the RCMP dont have enough support, so if they want to go arrest someone they need to call in a member who is off duty or do it during the day. If we can give them a team of lets say 4-6 guys, fully trained on how to apprehend a suspect then I think apprehending criminals would be a hell of a lot easier for them as well as safer. I feel it would be worth pursuing as an option, depending on support from the general population.

Obviously these guys would all need to pass a background check, be proficient with their firearms, be willing to take the training and swear an oath. Basically they'd be becoming Deputies for the municipality in which they live.
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  #2  
Old 10-11-2017, 12:04 PM
JB_AOL JB_AOL is offline
 
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It all comes down to manpower.
It's easy to say "here's a solution", but when you think about the logistics. 4-6 people per night. How big of area do they "patrol?". Basically comes down to the same problem as the LEO's, can't be everywhere.

Many communities already have "Citizens on Patrol", and it's strictly a roving neighbourhood watch that calls the RCMP if they see anything suspicious. That is a much better idea than putting untrained civilians in the line of fire, and getting them to arrest someone.

Oh, and allowing someone who has basically zero tactical arms training to be allowed to use guns as "force" is asking for trouble. Not to mention the majority of police training is defusing a situation w/o the use of force (or implying force).
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  #3  
Old 10-11-2017, 01:37 PM
raab raab is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JB_AOL View Post
It all comes down to manpower.
It's easy to say "here's a solution", but when you think about the logistics. 4-6 people per night. How big of area do they "patrol?". Basically comes down to the same problem as the LEO's, can't be everywhere.

Many communities already have "Citizens on Patrol", and it's strictly a roving neighbourhood watch that calls the RCMP if they see anything suspicious. That is a much better idea than putting untrained civilians in the line of fire, and getting them to arrest someone.

Oh, and allowing someone who has basically zero tactical arms training to be allowed to use guns as "force" is asking for trouble. Not to mention the majority of police training is defusing a situation w/o the use of force (or implying force).
Where did I say untrained? They would all be trained, and it would most likely take a year to get them to the point where they'd be ready. Just like fire departments. Fire departments can't just send people into house fires without training.

As for defusing the situation, the best way to defuse a situation is for the criminal to think that you will follow through with your actions if they dont listen. If you show up with an RCMP officer and a team of guys fully outfitted with tactical gear that they know how to use. I think you have a good chance of defusing a situation.

As for area it could work the same as the municipal fire departments. Where each department would cover an area, but they could call in other departments if the situation called for it or they didn't get enough guys responding.
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  #4  
Old 10-11-2017, 12:15 PM
Jack Hardin Jack Hardin is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by raab View Post
Ive been thinking of the problem concerning rural crime and think Ive come up with an answer to it. That being volunteer Police teams similar to a volunteer Fire Department.

Basically what they would be is a group of volunteers who are funded by the municipal government. These volunteers would do training in apprehension and work along side the RCMP. They would NOT be used in regular police work like ticketing, domestic disputes, etc.... But would be called in for apprehension of criminals and Search and Rescue.

One of the biggest problems in Rural Alberta is that the RCMP dont have enough support, so if they want to go arrest someone they need to call in a member who is off duty or do it during the day. If we can give them a team of lets say 4-6 guys, fully trained on how to apprehend a suspect then I think apprehending criminals would be a hell of a lot easier for them as well as safer. I feel it would be worth pursuing as an option, depending on support from the general population.

Obviously these guys would all need to pass a background check, be proficient with their firearms, be willing to take the training and swear an oath. Basically they'd be becoming Deputies for the municipality in which they live.
A good thought but, it wouldn't work for the same reason that they pulled Auxiliary Constables from going on patrol with regular members (liability). Also, who wants to go into a dangerous situation for free? I can't see the RCMP arming civilians to assist them on routine matters.
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  #5  
Old 10-11-2017, 12:17 PM
HowSwedeItIs HowSwedeItIs is offline
 
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Prairie justice
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  #6  
Old 10-11-2017, 12:40 PM
Gray Wolf Gray Wolf is offline
 
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Arrow A variation already exists -

.


Link - http://www.ruralcrimewatch.ab.ca/


The actual apprehension and arrests should be done by the police.

The last thing we need is a bunch of Wannabe Cops trying to do it!

.

Last edited by Gray Wolf; 10-11-2017 at 12:47 PM.
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  #7  
Old 10-11-2017, 12:43 PM
2000victory 2000victory is offline
 
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Default Rural protection

Where I grew up...before they had the Rural Crime Watch ,we had our own rural protection system, all of our neighbours , and our family actively participated in looking out for our neighbours...not just by calling the authorities about suspicious behaviour...the neighbours would actually get in their vehicles and physically come and check things out...the kids would also get involved...I remember many times kinda on purpose blocking the road playing to slow down a vehicle so we could get info and description or we saw a neighbour driving up to catch up to that vehicle...it is unsettling for area visitors to be approached and or confronted by a local farmer , if you are up to no good... no need to confron just follow and get description ,but nowadays no one wants to get involved so prob won't work...maybe if more people made more effort to get to know their neighbours and made an effort to be more approachable by your neighbours...
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  #8  
Old 10-11-2017, 01:21 PM
Ricki Bobby Ricki Bobby is online now
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2000victory View Post
Where I grew up...before they had the Rural Crime Watch ,we had our own rural protection system, all of our neighbours , and our family actively participated in looking out for our neighbours...not just by calling the authorities about suspicious behaviour...the neighbours would actually get in their vehicles and physically come and check things out...the kids would also get involved...I remember many times kinda on purpose blocking the road playing to slow down a vehicle so we could get info and description or we saw a neighbour driving up to catch up to that vehicle...it is unsettling for area visitors to be approached and or confronted by a local farmer , if you are up to no good... no need to confron just follow and get description ,but nowadays no one wants to get involved so prob won't work...maybe if more people made more effort to get to know their neighbours and made an effort to be more approachable by your neighbours...
In my hood, we do this all the time. We all watch for any suspicious vehicles that we don't know and ask them outright if they are lost or whatever. I have taken many pics of vehicles and license plates and I always try and make sure the people in the vehicles see me take them. I have had a couple ask why i'm taking pics and I just say "for the police in case anything happens that shouldn't". Never had any problems!

Last edited by Ricki Bobby; 10-11-2017 at 01:22 PM. Reason: Typo
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  #9  
Old 10-11-2017, 01:49 PM
raab raab is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Hardin View Post
A good thought but, it wouldn't work for the same reason that they pulled Auxiliary Constables from going on patrol with regular members (liability). Also, who wants to go into a dangerous situation for free? I can't see the RCMP arming civilians to assist them on routine matters.
It's not up to the RCMP. It would fall under the Alberta Solicitor General. Basically all it would take is for the volunteers to be sworn in as peace officers after passing their training.

As for pay, I will say, two weeks ago one of my neighbors had a gun pulled on them as they tried to stop a thief in their yard. A couple days ago 3 of my neighbors were out in the early morning chasing thieves out of their yards with firearms. The RCMP were over an hour away at the time. We also just had an armed robbery in town.

So for me personally I'd volunteer, because I know just having the option will be a BIG deterrent to crime in rural communities. I also dont want to see any of my neighbors get hurt, or end up going to jail because they shot a criminal. I work nights as well, and would like the option in the community in case my wife and kids are ever in trouble.

I think many rural residents would agree with me, but I'm not sure. So thats why I asked here, Im willing to start petitioning the government for it. If there is enough support from other rural residents.
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  #10  
Old 10-11-2017, 02:07 PM
Drewski Canuck Drewski Canuck is offline
 
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Default Proactive, not Reactive

Your Proposal of a "Posse" is interesting, but it only suggests an "arrest force".

By then, its too late, as the RCMP have identified the Suspect, not prevented the act.

Most Rural Crime is Property Crime of one sort or another, whether its a break in or theft of vehicles.

As many can attest, even if you catch the thief, after the fact, you won't get your stuff back.

Instead, it would make more sense to have more Sherriff patrols on rural areas, at night, especially Cabins that are seasonal use only. This will not be cheap, but cheaper than an RCMP Constable.

What I have proposed to the Sergeant at Athabasca Detachment is a Probationary Order of Banishment from the area for 3 years. That way, if the thief is even SEEN in the area, a Warrant goes for his / her arrest.

The reality is that the trouble makers in the rural areas are usually from the area, and as soon as they are let out, are back at it again as soon as they are back in the area. If they are banished, this is real deterrence, as they have no where to go. Jail does not mean anything to these repeat offenders. Not having anywhere to stay does mean something to them.

Drewski
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  #11  
Old 10-11-2017, 02:14 PM
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Scott N Scott N is offline
 
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I keep picture Homer Simpson and his gang of vigilantes walking around with a pillowcase full of doorknobs for some reason. Not that the original idea doesn't have merit, but I can foresee a few problems coming about.
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  #12  
Old 10-11-2017, 05:03 PM
sgill808 sgill808 is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott N View Post
I keep picture Homer Simpson and his gang of vigilantes walking around with a pillowcase full of doorknobs for some reason. Not that the original idea doesn't have merit, but I can foresee a few problems coming about.
Yes this is also what I pictured. To the extent of supplying their own knobs.

I think this discussion is just going to lead to "well if it's dangerous apprehending criminals, shouldn't we be allowed to carry firearms." Don't say I didn't warn you.
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  #13  
Old 10-12-2017, 09:32 PM
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brslk brslk is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott N View Post
I keep picture Homer Simpson and his gang of vigilantes walking around with a pillowcase full of doorknobs for some reason. Not that the original idea doesn't have merit, but I can foresee a few problems coming about.
I'd sign up for that. I already have a pillow case and could round up some door knobs. (of course the wife will be mad when she can't get out of the house anymore)
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  #14  
Old 10-11-2017, 02:52 PM
raab raab is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Drewski Canuck View Post
Your Proposal of a "Posse" is interesting, but it only suggests an "arrest force".

By then, its too late, as the RCMP have identified the Suspect, not prevented the act.

Most Rural Crime is Property Crime of one sort or another, whether its a break in or theft of vehicles.

As many can attest, even if you catch the thief, after the fact, you won't get your stuff back.

Instead, it would make more sense to have more Sherriff patrols on rural areas, at night, especially Cabins that are seasonal use only. This will not be cheap, but cheaper than an RCMP Constable.

What I have proposed to the Sergeant at Athabasca Detachment is a Probationary Order of Banishment from the area for 3 years. That way, if the thief is even SEEN in the area, a Warrant goes for his / her arrest.

The reality is that the trouble makers in the rural areas are usually from the area, and as soon as they are let out, are back at it again as soon as they are back in the area. If they are banished, this is real deterrence, as they have no where to go. Jail does not mean anything to these repeat offenders. Not having anywhere to stay does mean something to them.

Drewski
Well it was just my original idea to not make the guys to busy if they volunteer. Im all for discussion about what their role could be in the community. I would want these guys having the same powers as any peace officer in the province which means they could easily make an arrest or patrol an area. They could also be first response to any serious calls, like someone pulling a gun on a farmer. Probably take them about 15 minutes to get to any scene , but that beats the hell out of 45 minute to an hour response time for RCMP.

Also as for banishment, they'll just go and take someone elses property. The property theft doesn't really bug me to bad. I can replace my vehicle or garden tractor or whatever else they want to take. But when these idiots are showing up with firearms and pulling them on people, thats where I have the issue. We need harsh sentences for anyone using a firearm as part of a crime. Minimum 10 year sentencing for using or being armed in the act of any crime.

Last edited by raab; 10-11-2017 at 02:58 PM.
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  #15  
Old 10-11-2017, 03:07 PM
raab raab is offline
 
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Added a poll. If yes gets over 50% support I will move forward with the idea and start looking for a group to help petition the government.
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  #16  
Old 10-11-2017, 06:23 PM
michaelmicallef michaelmicallef is offline
 
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Raise taxes so no one can afford anything worth steeling.
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  #17  
Old 10-12-2017, 05:41 AM
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58thecat 58thecat is offline
 
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Hey we got volunteer firefighters so why not police...active even in thier own vehicles etc...that would put a damper on all the meatheads activities not just rural but urban too...little light on the dash, pull ya over, identify themself and write tickets etc
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  #18  
Old 10-12-2017, 05:29 PM
Bigwoodsman Bigwoodsman is offline
 
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Three words to police your property

Smith and Wesson!

BW
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