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By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

addressing problem properties

Red Deer to get new SCAN unit led by Alberta Sheriffs, in partnership with RCMP

Oct 31, 2024 | 4:55 PM

The Government of Alberta is announcing that a new team of Alberta Sheriffs will work alongside police to target problem properties around the Red Deer region.

The team of investigators will expand what’s known as Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) units, and is supported by the RCMP, the ministry noted in a release issued Thursday afternoon. There are already SCAN teams in Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge.

The Red Deer unit, which will be comprised of four investigators, will be formally announced Friday at Red Deer City Hall.

Public Safety and Emergency Services Minister, Mike Ellis, said this will put qualified experts onto cases involving properties where illegal activity has been reported, so that they can be shut down through court orders.

“Alberta’s government will always maintain a zero-tolerance stance toward crime of any kind, and the expansion of the Alberta Sheriffs’ SCAN unit reflects that. With the creation of a new SCAN team in Red Deer, we’re expanding the unit’s coverage even further and putting more boots on the ground where they’re needed,” said Minister Ellis.

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“Let this be a message to all criminals, you are not welcome here. Communities in the Red Deer area have a right not to be plagued by drug and other criminal activity that create dangerous environments, and Alberta’s government will do whatever it takes which Alberta’s government won’t tolerate.”

Mike Letourneau, superintendent, Alberta Sheriffs, said SCAN’s impact over the years has been profound.

“More often than not, we see individuals in these problem properties carrying out drug operations and other criminal activities beside homes, schools, playgrounds, and other places where Albertans’ safety should never be in question,” he said.

“Crime has no place in any Alberta neighbourhood, and we look forward to working with our policing partners in the Red Deer area to help keep central Alberta communities safe.”

As noted, there is support from RCMP.

“The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act holds property owners accountable for activities on their property that threaten public safety,” said Assistant Commissioner Trevor Daroux, Criminal Operations Officer for Alberta RCMP.

“Alberta’s SCAN teams support policing efforts by addressing illegal activities on these properties. This additional team will enhance RCMP community safety programs.”

According to the ministry, SCAN units have closed problem properties in Lethbridge, Calgary, Spruce Grove and Medicine Hat in just the last six months.

“Creating a safer environment for our citizens improves the overall quality of our community in Red Deer. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Alberta’s government, SCAN and all our law enforcement partners who work tirelessly every day to keep our communities safe,” added Mayor Ken Johnston.

“This is great news for the city of Red Deer, and together, we can make our community safer. I encourage residents to report any suspicious activity to the SCAN unit.”

Red Deer SCAN’s operational boundaries will encompass the city of Red Deer and its surrounding communities and rural areas — spanning to Ponoka in the north and Olds to the south.