Annual report shows busy year for Lacombe Police Service

For the Lacombe Police Service, 2016 can be described as a very exciting, albeit very busy year.

In their 2016 Annual Report presented to city council on Monday, LPS reported an 11 per cent increase in service calls over 2015, which is nine per cent higher than the five-year average.

When it comes to the types of calls they are getting, LPS saw noted increases the areas of property crimes and family disputes. Chief Lorne Blumhagen said in his report summary, “This may be in whole or in part attributed to the economic downturn in our province.”

While traffic collisions in Lacombe were down by 15 per cent overall, there was one fatality collision last year and a 17 per cent increase in the number of injury collisions, 25 per cent of which involved cyclists or pedestrians. Moving forward, Lacombe police say they will be focusing on reduction, enforcement and education strategies at high collision locations and pedestrian crossings in an effort to reduce those numbers.

“2016 could be defined as a year of change and transition for the Lacombe Police Service,” said Blumhagen. “Throughout the year planning, development and staffing were all key areas of focus for our City and Service.”

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The long list of changes for LPS last year was highlighted by the move to the new Lacombe Police Station along Wolf Creek Drive. The force also moved to its own local dispatch system and implemented the Alberta First Responders Radio Communications System. As well, additional support staff was hired by Lacombe Police Service in 2016.

The Lacombe Police Service, one of the oldest municipal police forces in the province, is currently made up of 18 sworn police officers, seven civilian support staff, three casual civilian support staff, and one Community Peace Officer.

The entire Lacombe Police Service 2016 Annual Report can be read here.