The first six months on the job for Sundre's new peace officer were busy on several fronts, town councillors heard.
In a status report covering August 2010 to December 2010, Kevin Heerema said he has conducted a review of the town's current bylaws and plans to recommend updates and revisions to a number of the bylaws, including those dealing with traffic, unsightly premises and animal control.
As well, he is currently bringing the bylaw and peace officer program in town up to date with industry standards, as well as ensuring that the department is operated within the guidelines of the Solicitor General requirements.
He is revising the reporting process and forms in preparation for a new reporting system, and to provide a more detailed report with required information.
Heerema is currently working on plans for a seatbelt enforcement operation in conjunction with provincial sheriffs.
ìIn 2011, the department will concentrate on updating existing policies in regard to the use of force, pursuits, and MOUs with the surrounding municipalities,î he said. ìAll of these items are required to be on file by the Solicitor General's office. An updated traffic safety plan may also be included in this.
ìThere will be some revision to the reporting system and required reports by the animal control contractor as well as some minor changes in the animal control procedures.î
When spring arrives, Heerema says he will be concentrating some of his efforts on unsightly properties in the community, he said.
Between August and December 2010, Heerema conducted the following bylaw enforcement calls: Dogs (44), land use (4), noise (3), snow removal/unsightly (93), traffic (61), weeds (4), general inquiries (93), general inquiries by phone (73), municipal notices served (53).
Under the Traffic Safety Act, he responded to careless driving (8), seatbelts (9), speeding (126), stop signs (6), U-turns/parking (44).
