Mountain View County council is scheduled this week to consider approval of a new crime prevention initiative aimed at helping address the recent rise in rural crime in the region.
The proposed new policy and related procedure for crime prevention grants is on the May 23 council agenda.
The policy includes a new grant program that could be used to fund organizations that propose activities or events that have the potential to reduce the impact of crime within a large community area or throughout the county.
Coun. Duncan Milne says the county welcomes the opportunity to do its part with other stakeholders in addressing rural crime.
“We are trying to work together,” said Milne. “Right now there is a lot of concern and confusion out there.”
Policy #3007 will “establish the criteria for funding crime prevention related projects to serve the needs of county’s residents.”
In a briefing note coming before council, administration said, “With rural crime watch’s memorandum of understanding with the RCMP there may be a need for additional administrative support, mobile app development, events or training. As well, citizens on patrol groups have formed in Old and Sundre and may patrol areas within the county.
“Funding could be directed towards these organizations to support their activities through a grant program.”
The procedure accompanying the new policy states that “all (grant) funding applications will be forwarded to the policies and priorities committee for review and a recommendation will be made to council for funding allocations within approved budget.”
Under the initiative a number of crime prevention workshops are upcoming, including a Robber Beware Seminar at the county office on May 31.
