ARTICLES

 

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City of Medicine Hat 2023-2024 Business Plan

Medicine Hat Police Service Annual Reports

View 2023 report

View 2022 report

View 2021 report

View 2020 report

View 2019 report

 

Collective Agreement
Collective Agreement between the Police Association and the City of Medicine Hat.
View Document here

City of Medicine Hat - Municipal Bylaws
View City Bylaws for up to date information

 

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CUSTOMER FEEDBACK AND COMPLAINTS

• Customer Feedback Form:  
  The Medicine Hat Police Service welcomes any compliments about a specific officer or civilian member and the service you received. 
• Procedure for Complaints Against Police Brochure:
• Citizen Complaints Against Police Form: This form is for the use of persons wishing to register complaints against Police Personnel under The Police Act.  Please note that complaints against police must be signed and can not be emailed. 

   

GENERAL FORMS                                                                   

Fill Online:		Print Off and Send In:
Police Extra Duty Contract		Police Information Check Application
Aahkoinnimaan ni (Community) Boardroom Request form  EPIC Program Booking		Police Recruiting Package
		Police Extra Duty Contract
		Aahkoinnimaan ni (Community) Boardroom Request Form
		Aahkoinnimaan ni (Community) Boardroom Terms and Conditions

                                                                           

TRAFFIC FORMS

       Fill Online:                                                             Print Off and Send In: 

       Permit to Move -Traffic                                          Permit to Move - Traffic  
       Parking Ticket Appeal Form                                  Parking Ticket Appeal Form

       Traffic Service Request 

                         

 BYLAW FORMS

       Fill Online:                                                            Print Off and Send In: 
       Pet Licensing
                                                                                    Bylaw Publications and Links 
       Alarm Systems Registration                                City of Medicine Hat Alarm Bylaw - 3716
                                                                                 

VICTIMS ASSISTANCE

      Print Off and Send In:

      Victim Impact Statement
      Restitution Statement
      Financial Benefits Application

 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

511 Alberta

Alberta Emergency Alerts

Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams: ALERT

Alberta Women in Public Safety

Alert Ready - Canadian Emergency Alert System

AMA Road Report

Alberta Queen's Printer

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)

Canadian Police Information Centre

City of Medicine Hat

Cybertip.ca - Canada's National Tipline for Reporting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children

Medicine Hat Public School Board

Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education

Medicine Hat College

My Alberta eServices - Fine Payments

SafeRoads Alberta

Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN)

These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Medicine Hat Police Service of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. The Medicine Hat Police Service  bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GENERAL INQUIRIES:
phone: (403) 529-8400
fax: (403) 529-8444
mhps@mhps.ca

MAILING ADDRESS: 
Medicine Hat Police Service
884 - 2 Street S.E.
Medicine Hat, AB
T1A 8H2

Hours of Operation:
Front Counter services hours are changing to 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Payment types accepted are cash, and debit. We also have an ATM machine available.

DIRECTORY:
Emergency Number		9-1-1
Police / Bylaw Non-Emergency		403 529-8481
Bylaw Supervisor		403 529-8436
Major Crime Supervisor		403 529-8421
Family Crime Unit		403 529-8428
Community Support Unit		403 529-8451
Collision Reporting Centre		403 581-1070
Police Information Checks		403 529-8400 Menu Option 3
Drug Tip Line(24 hours)		403 502-8909
Fingerprinting		403 529-8400
Information Processing Section		403 529-8417
Media Contact / Inquiries		403 529-8416
Office of the Chief		403 529-8410
Organized Crime Supervisor		403 529-8448
Photo Radar Supervisor		403 529-8406
Professional Standards Supervisor		403 502-8917
Property Retreival		403 529-8477
Recruiting Team		Recruiting@mhps.ca
Training Unit		403 581-1067
Traffic Unit Supervisor		403 529-8471
Victim Assistance Supervisor		403 581-1054

 

 

Living next to a drug house? Read more on the Medicine Hat Safe Community Website


 Marijuana

Characteristics

• Common names: Chronic, weed, pot, gonja, 420 (unofficial pot day), cheeba
• Active ingredient is THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol
• Dried bud of the plant is smoked and when ground up similar in appearance to Oregano
• Smoked either rolled into a cigarette or glass/plastic pipe

Physical Effects

• After smoking users calm, sleepy, labored movements and show signs of increased appetite
• Similar physical side effects as smoking tobacco as similar chemicals produced such as tar, carbon monoxide, increased risk of cancer and heart attacks
• Side effects include: Impaired coordination, decrease in problem solving ability and damage to both short & long term memory
• Is mixed with other drugs such as meth, cocaine, and ecstasy

For more information go to: Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse

 Cocaine (powder)

Characteristics

• Common names: powder, blow, snow, nose candy
• White, pearly powder, strong kerosene or benzene odor
• Powerful central nervous system stimulant which causes the release of dopamine (associated with pleasure & movement)
• Either snorted through nose or dissolved in water and injected

Physical Effects

• Since strong CNS stimulant users are often hyperactive, restless, have increased blood pressure and heart rates and euphoria
• Side effects include: paranoia, twitching, hallucinations and the feeling of itchy skin
• Overdose causes heart to stop and user dies
• Highly addictive as it is a powerful stimulant

 Cocaine freebase

Characteristics

• Common names: rock, crack
• Solid form of powder cocaine, similar in appearance to pieces of crumbled hard cheese, beige or white in colour
• Primarily smoked using glass pipettes stuffed with steel wool or pop cans

Physical Effects

• Same as the powder form.

For more information on both Cocaine powder and Crack Cocaine click link to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocaine

 Methamphetamine

Characteristics

• Common names: meth, crank, jib, ice,
• White/clear, crystalline powder
• Primarily smoked or snorted through the nose
• Powerful central nervous system stimulant and highly addictive
• Some ingredients include: Ephedrine, Lithium battery strips, red phosphorous, anhydrous ammonia, drain cleaner, lye

Physical Effects

• Users experience euphoria, increased energy, attention, alertness, excessive talking, rapid speech, irritability, panic, aggression and sometimes violent behavior
• Side effects include and not limited to: psychosis, craving, exhaustion, depression, mental confusion, insomnia, disturbed sleep

For more information click link to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methamphetamine

 MDMA or Methylenedioxymethamphetamine

Characteristics

• Common names: Ecstasy, E, love drug, X, XTC
• Mainly found in pill form of various color and size, commonly imprinted with a symbol (dove, Nike swoosh) to identify maker
• Powerful psychedelic narcotic which affects Central Nervous System

Physical Effects

• Users experience euphoria, increased feeling of intimacy, increased energy, decreased appetite, increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Side effects include: dehydration, lockjaw, teeth grinding,

For more information click link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mdma

 

 

 

Community Partners

Along with the Medicine Hat Police Service there are several other local government agencies that provide services to those families and individuals affected by drug addiction. 

 AADAC Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission http://www.aadac.com/79.asp

• Assists Albertans in leading healthy lifestyles and achieving freedom from the harmful effects of alcohol, other drugs, tobacco and gambling.
• Provides services and programs in Information, Prevention and Treatment

 McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association http://www.mcman.ca/index.htm

• Since 1979, McMan has been providing quality care and services to children, youth and families in communities throughout Alberta
• Programs and services include: Foster parent training, youth programs, FASD child support, information and mentoring services

 John Howard Society http://www.johnhoward.ab.ca/services/medicine-hat/

• The Medicine Hat John Howard Society, established in 1948, is a community based agency that works with our community towards the prevention of crime and to assist those affected by crime.
• Programs and services offered include: Criminal Justice Education Program to school aged children, Alternative Measures (restitution), Bullying Awareness and Prevention Program.

 SE Alberta Child and Family Services http://humanservices.alberta.ca/services-near-you/southeast-alberta-child-and-family-services.html

• Southeast Alberta Child and Family Services Authority (CFSA) supports families and communities enabling them to provide safe and nurturing environments for their children. We strive to break the cycles of family violence, abuse and poverty that prevent some children from becoming strong, healthy individuals.
• Programs include: child and youth support program, foster care, family support for children with disabilities

These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Medicine Hat Police Service of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. The Medicine Hat Police Service  bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.

Questions:

1. How do I Pay a parking ticket?
2. What are your hours of Operation?
3. My vehicle was impounded. How do I get it back?
4. My pet was impounded. What do I do?
5. Where can I check for recovered stolen property?
6. How can I find out if a vehicle is stolen?
7. When is the next public auction?
8. I think I have been treated unfairly by a member of the Police Service. What can I do?
9. I think a member of the Police Service deserves credit for exemplary conduct. Who can I contact?
10. I would like to contract an off duty police officer to perform security at an event. How do I arrange that and what is the cost?
11.  I think I received a CRA scam email/phone call. What should I do?
12. Where can I find more information about cannabis legislation?

 1. How do I pay a parking ticket?

a. Parking tags (small white ticket left on your windshield) are payable at City Hall located at 580 First Street SE.

b. Parking ticket ( long yellow form - received in the mail ) Payable at any provincial court house in the province of Alberta during their normal office hours.

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2. What are your hours of Operation?

Front counter services are available Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, closed all statutory holidays. Payment types accepted are cash, and interac debit. We also have an ATM machine available.

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3. My vehicle was impounded. How do I get it back?

The Owner must attend to the impound lot listed below with proof of ownership. Vehicle will be released to owner upon payment of any towing and storage fees.

Willie's 24 Hr Towing
1248 Brier Park Way NW
Medicine Hat, AB
Ph: 403-548-2002

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4. My pet was picked up by Bylaw? What do I do?

Owners must attend the Alberta Pound And Rescue Centre facility located at 1002 South Railway Street SE, during business hours (Monday to Friday 10 AM to 7 PM or Saturday/Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM). All fees must be paid, and have proper animal licensing in place before release of the animal. Proof of ownership is required, call (403) 487-5671 or visit www.aparc.ca/reclaim for further information.

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5. Where can I check for recovered stolen property?

Contact the property management unit of the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8479.

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6.  How can I find out if a vehicle is stolen?

Link to National database for C.P.I.C. (Canadian Police Information Centre) property search, a free online public service.

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7. When is the next public auction?

Contact the property management unit of the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8479.

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8. I think I have been treated unfairly by a member of the Police Service. What can I do?

A complaint against the Police Service or a police officer must be made in writing and signed by the person making the complaint. To file a complaint you need to complete a Citizen Complaint Against Police Form. You may do this yourself and submit it to the Office of the Chief or attend to the police station and ask for the Duty Staff Sergeant. Complaints against Police cannot be accepted by email.

Procedure for Complaints Against Police Brochure:  It is important to keep the lines of communication open between the citizens of Medicine Hat and the Police.

Citizen Complaints Against Police Form: This form is for the use of persons wishing to register complaints against Police Personnel under The Police Act, 1988.

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9. I think a member of the Police Service deserves credit for exemplary conduct. Who can I contact?

The Medicine Hat Police Service welcomes any compliments about a specific officer or civilian member and the service you received. 

Customer Feedback Form

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10. I would like to contract an off duty police officer to perform security at an event. How do I arrange that and what is the cost?

You may download the Extra Duty Contract form here: Extra Duty Contract Form

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11. I think I received a CRA scam email/phone call. What should I do?

The so-called “CRA scams” began emerging in 2013, and have since become a popular tool for defrauding people over the phone or by email. The most common scam is fairly straightforward. Someone claiming to be from the CRA calls and tells the victim that they have made an error on their tax return or neglected to file it. The fraudster then asks for financial or banking information in order to settle an alleged debt to the government

Any push-back from the victim is usually met with immediate threats of calling the police, sending CRA employees to the door, blacklisting a social insurance number, or jail time. The hope is that the caller will be frightened into complying. Often times the scammers request payment of the outstanding debt in the form of gift cards.

As a heads up, here are some things the CRA will NEVER do:

• Threaten you with immediate arrest or prison sentence.
• Ask for information about your passport, health card, or driver’s licence.
• Request personal information to be sent by email.
• Email you a link requesting you fill in an online form with personal or financial details.
• Send you a link to your refund by email or text message.
• Setup an in-person meeting in a public place to take a payment.
• Demand immediate payment by prepaid credit card, iTunes or bitcoin.

However, in certain circumstances the CRA may:

• Notify you by email when new mail is available for you to view in CRA secure portals such as My Account, My Business Account or Represent a Client.
• Email you a link to a CRA webpage, form, or publication in response if you call the CRA looking for that information.
• Send you a notice of assessment or re-assessment by mail, or notify you by email when it is available to view in CRA secure portals.
• Ask for financial information such as the name of your bank and its location.
• Request payment for a tax debt through any of the CRA’s payment options (http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/mkpymnt-eng.html)
• Take legal action to recover the money you owe if you refuse to pay your debt.

If you suspect a scam, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online at www.antifraudcentre.ca or toll free at 1-888-495-8501.

If you believe that you have been the victim of a CRA scam, contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or attend the MHPS in person at 884 2nd Street SE to speak to an officer.

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12.  Where can I find information about cannabis legislation?

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) has created a quick reference guide highlighting important sections from both the Federal and Provincial legislation relating to cannabis.

Recreational cannabis use was legalized in Canada on October 17, 2018 when the Cannabis Act came into force.  Provinces and territories were assigned the responsibility of establishing rules and regulations around how cannabis is stored, possession limits, minimum age and restricting where cannabis may be used in public. In Alberta, the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act provides the laws relating to the consumption and transportation of cannabis.

Appreciating this legislation has been in place for less than one year, and that there are variations between provinces which can be confusing, the MHPS quick reference guide is intended to highlight some important components of the new law for residents of Medicine Hat.

“Since cannabis was legalized there have been minimal issues or concerns reported” says Inspector Joe West with the MHPS. “As cannabis becomes more commercially available using the guide will help clarify the legislation to avoid misunderstanding.”

To view the MHPS Quick Reference Guide click here.

In 1882, Medicine Hat, District of Assiniboia, Northwest Territories began to be settled by workers who had begun construction on the wooden trestle bridge that would eventually cross the South Saskatchewan River to be used by the Canadian Pacific Railway.  Over the next few years, businesses and inhabitants grew and in 1884 with the discovery of natural gas, Medicine Hat became an unincorporated town.

This growth began to tax the NWMP who with only five members were busy in the surrounding district and as such on January 13, 1899 Bylaw Number 8 was passed to create a position of Town Constable.  The bylaw was drawn up outlining the duties of a combined Inspector, Health Officer and Policeman.

By 1906, with a population of about 11,000 residents, Medicine Hat became a city and the police force had grown to a strength of 14 members.  As was the case in most Canadian cities at the time, the population growth in Medicine Hat was stagnant over the years of the First World War.  As the city’s growth renewed after the war years, so did the growth of its police force.

After sharing a car with the Fire Department, the Service bought its own vehicle in 1917 that was to be used during emergency cases, but they reserved bicycles to be used for patrolling at night.  During the depression of the 1930’s, members were kept busy dealing with the unemployed who were riding the trains back and forth across the country in search of employment.  Horses and motorcycle patrols were soon added to the transportation mode of the Service as a means of getting around a rapidly growing city. 

With 38 members, in the 1940’s the Service outgrew the existing quarters in the basement of city hall and moved to a new building along 1st St. SE.  When Alberta’s oil boom took hold at the end of the 1970’s, the city grew substantially necessitating an increase in strength for the Service to nearly 70 members.

Since that point, Medicine Hat has continued to grow and thrive, drawing citizens from all parts of Canada and the world to enjoy the comforts and security this city provides.  With over a century of service to this community of over 60,000, the Service has occupied five different buildings, employed 377 members and has been under the direction of 22 chiefs of police.

Medicine Hat has had a proud history as a progressive community. Along with this, the police service has also grown into one of the most progressive and respected organizations within the Province and in western Canada.  With over 15 specialized policing areas, using leading edge technology, sound recruiting and training practices, the Service continues to attract excellent men and women who are dedicated to continuing to make Medicine Hat a safe community to live, work and raise a family.

Medicine Hat Police Service Museum

Hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays. Admission is free.

The museum outlines the rich history of the Service from 1899 to the present time with interesting displays of equipment and uniforms used during this period to safeguard the citizens of Medicine Hat.

HISTORICAL POLICE STORIES:

First Murder 

Bylaw Number 8 

Even Cops are Human 

The Great Canadian Cop Shop Robbery 

Shootout on Aberdeen 

Of Mice and Men 

Crime on the Rise 

 

For a more detailed explanation of the Centennial Mural see below *Where members are noted, they are noted by their current or retired rank.

Mr. Marshall was given access to the police photo archive and were used by him to develop a concept.  He put together a collage of photos that depicted the evolution of the Service from its inception in 1899.  The committee approved the final draft of the mural and work began on the carving.  The mural was placed within the Police building in front of a wall that was originally composed of glass block, and separated the lobby from the Criminal Investigation reception area. Under the direction and support of Chief Bill Spring (1992-1996), the Centennial Celebration Committee was formed in early 1996 to prepare for the 100th anniversary of the Police Service.  Staff Sergeant Jack Lemire was asked by the Chief to chair the committee and oversee the projects that were to occur leading up to and including the centennial year of 1999.  During one of the first meetings, there was discussion on a major project to be undertaken and would be the focal point of the centennial year.  There was discussion about a centennial sword or centennial rifle, however during one of the meetings, the Chief of the Regina Police Service who was meeting with Chief Spring, attended a committee meeting as their Service had recently celebrated their centennial.  This Chief advised that they had wanted to use a sword as a major project for Regina, but ended up on pre-selling only 6 units so the project was scrapped.  He also suggested that with the current firearms laws, a rifle might also be met with extremely low response.  It was a result of this input that the committee decided to undertake the creation of a mural, and that they would approach local artist, James Marshall to create the design.  Mr. Marshall readily agreed and indicated that he would donate the original printing plate and 300 signed and numbered prints as his contribution to the centennial.  With the assistance of IXL and Goodyear who contributed cash and material to the project, the process began. 

Once the mural was complete, a date for the unveiling was set.  The mural was unveiled by the son of Joseph McQueen a former Chief of Police for the Service (1940 to 1945) and Chief Eric Lloyd a long time member of the Service and Chief (1975 to 1984).  At the unveiling, the donors were given a framed copy of the print as an appreciation of their support.  The printing plate used to produce the numbered prints was cut down in size so that it could not be used to make additional copies and currently hangs in the lunchroom in the police building.

 

First Courthouse and Jail

This building was built in 1899 and was the area’s first courthouse and jail for Medicine Hat, N.W.T.  It later housed the first police station.  It was situated on the site of the current Legion building located at 702 2nd Street SE.

	Original photograph (larger view)

 

Joseph McQueen, 9th Chief of Police

This is a photograph of Joseph McQueen who was the 9th Chief of Police for the Service.  Like most members employed during the war years, Joseph McQueen had ‘broken service’ with the department taking time out to serve his country during the first war.  He started with the Service in 1912 and continued until 1915.  After serving in the Canadian Forces, he returned to the Medicine Hat Police from 1919 to 1946.  He was Chief of the Service from 1940 to 1945.  This photograph is believed to have originated in 1920.  

	Sgt Joseph McQueen in 1924:Original photograph (larger view)

 

Patrolling on horseback 1925

This is Constable Archibald Fisher using a horse to patrol the city.  The Police Service employed Constable Fisher from 1922 to 1928.  This particular photo is believed to have been taken around 1925.

 

Police Constables in the early days

	Original photograph (larger view)

LEFT: Constable James Sheward who served from 1913 to 1915 and again from 1918 to 1940.  MIDDLE: Sgt. Joseph McQueen who started with the Service in 1912 and continued until 1915.  After serving in the Canadian Forces, he returned to the Medicine Hat Police from 1919 to 1946.  He was Chief of the Service from 1940 to 1945. RIGHT: This member has not been identified.  The vehicle in the background was one of the first vehicles used by the police to do their duties. This photo is believed to have been taken around 1935.

 

Motorcycle Patrol

This is Sergeant Jim Cairney who was one of, if not the first member of the Service to have patrolled Medicine Hat on foot, horseback, motorcycle and then automobile.  This photograph was taken in 1942.  Sergeant Cairney had a 40 year career with the Service from 1928 to 1968.  

	Original photograph (larger view)

 

Police station 1951 - 1965

This building served as the City’s police station from 1951 to 1965, after facilities in City Hall became outdated.  The Provincial Court also occupied the 2nd floor of the building. The Canadian Coat of Arms that was displayed in the courtroom is now hanging in the lobby of the current police building after being discovered at a Stampede Grounds building when they were doing some cleaning.  Retired Chief Eric Lloyd positively identified the artifact as being from this building.  The Crown on the top of the artifact was broken off and had to be welded back in place.  During the welding process, the heat used in the welding, burnt the paint off of the areas adjacent to the weld and as such was repainted before being hung in its current location.  This building was situated along 1st Street SE where the current “Y” school is located.  

	Original photograph (larger view)

 

Early Forensic Photographic Equipment

This photograph is a depiction of some of the early forensic photographic equipment that was used by our identification members.  It was used to photograph fingerprints lifted from a crime scene.  The member in the photograph is Sergeant Bob Pocsik who served between 1974 and 1999.  

 

Record-Keeping in Policing

This photograph is of Inspector Keith Bennett.  It is unknown exactly when the photo was taken.  Inspector Bennett served between 1952 and 1983.  

 

K-9 Unit formed in 1980

This photograph is of Inspector Rob Siegmund and Police Service Dog Smokey.  Inspector Siegmund and Staff Sergeant Lou O’Reilly (and PSD Bandit) were the Service’s first K-9 members. The K9 unit was formed in 1980.  

	Original photograph (larger view)

 

Police and children

This photograph is also of Inspector Keith Bennett and the child in the photograph is Paul Douglas.  Paul is the son of Inspector Ron Douglas.  It is unknown when this photograph was taken.  

 

Traffic Unit and Photo Radar

This photograph is of Sergeant Bill McKenzie who served between 1932 and 1969.  Sergeant McKenzie was in charge of the traffic unit of the Service for a lengthy period of time and can be seen in this photo using radar.  

 

First Female Constable 1986

This photo was taken for a crime prevention promotion.  It features the Police Service’s first female officer, Constable Brenda Fisk.  Constable Fisk served actively with the Service from 1986 to 1994 when she went on disability as the result of an injury received while working. The children in the picture are Michael, Lianne and Lisa Jacobs.  They were the neighbours of Sergeant Ron White who took the photograph during his tour as constable in the Identification section.  

	Original photograph (larger view)

 

Transition from early days to current policing

This was a ‘staged’ photo for the mural purpose and was designed to show the transition from the early days to the current manner of policing the city.  The participants are Constable Larry Dirk and Staff Sergeant Andy McGrogan.  Cst. Dirk served between 1980 and 2006 and Andy McGrogan served as Chief of Police between 2008 and 2020.