Olds RCMP members worked extensive hours during the recent investigation into the Rexall Drug Store robbery, with three members working a combined 200 man-hours in the five days leading up to the arrest of the suspects.
The officers did a variety of different tasks during the investigation ó from preparing court orders and interviewing witnesses ó in this case a broad area encompassing anywhere from Red Deer to Calgary and Olds to Drumheller.
While the three members who worked up to 20 hours per day following different tasks through to completion, other members were brought in to cover for their regular duties.
An investigation of the type that was conducted into the drugstore robbery impacts the entire detachment, Staff Sgt. Kevin Morton said.
ìIt impacts the whole operation because the day-to-day complaints that we get don't stop,î he said.
Morton said for every piece of the investigation that must be followed, other members must cover for members working an investigation.
ìIn essence, a big investigation like this counts on the flexibility of members in regard to their personal time,î he said.
Morton said his members that worked on the investigation received praise from General Investigation Section members who were brought in from Calgary to lend their expertise to the inquiry. He said those members helped guide Olds officers through various parts of the investigation.
ìThis was a classic example of a learning process,î Morton said.
While the RCMP doesn't withdraw from providing regular service lightly, Morton said in some instances ó such as this one ó other duties come further down the priority list.
