(rdnewsNOW file photo/Troy Gillard)

By Ashley Lavallee-Koenig

CPL. SAM HOLM

Red Deer RCMP downtown patrol unit gains new supervisor

Dec 20, 2024 | 10:59 AM

Red Deer RCMP has a new supervisor for its Downtown Patrol Unit, Cpl. Samuel Holm.

Holm now supervises a team of five RCMP officers and two community peace officers that do proactive enforcement and community engagement downtown.

“We’re doing less of the responding to calls and more of the proactive driving around, walking around. We have mountain bikes with the trail systems, attending different community events, listening to the businesses, listening to the service providers and figuring out where we can help and where we can fit in with that,” said Holm.

Holm said his team frequently does enforcement as well, addressing common frustrations like loitering, public drug use, or encampments.

In his time as supervisor, he shared that he hopes to increase police visibility downtown and be a, “champion” for the area as he himself is a frequent user of the neighbourhood.

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“I’ve had some amazing experiences there and I think it should be trumpeted that downtown Red Deer is a phenomenal place to be and to do what you need to do,” he said.

So far, he said his team has been working on how they carry out camp cleanups, focusing on clear and consistent communication about when and why it’s happening.

“We don’t want people to be cold, it’s not a harassment thing,” he assured. “This is the time we need to clean up this area and hit the reset button for everybody’s enjoyment and for everybody’s safety. The response from the business leaders around, from the service providers and from the individuals that we’re dealing with has been phenomenal with that consistent emphasis on communication.”

Holm brings 17 years of law enforcement experience and a commitment to community-based policing to the team.

“We are thrilled to have Cpl. Holm leading our Downtown Patrol Unit,” said Supt. Holly Glassford, Red Deer RCMP Detachment Commander. “This team is at the heart of our efforts to create a downtown where everyone feels safe and welcomed. By building trust, listening to the needs of the community, and serving as a visible presence to discourage unlawful behaviour, together they are positively impacting public safety.”

Red Deer RCMP extends its sincere thanks to Cpl. Hanusich for his four years of service to the Downtown Patrol Unit. Glassford said his hard work and leadership will have lasting impacts on the team and the community, and she wishes him all the best in his future endeavours.