ARTICLES

On May 27, 2019 at approximately 3:30 AM, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service, along with Emergency Medical Services personnel, responded to a report of an unconscious female who was located trapped in the opening of a charitable donation bin.

The 39-year-old female was unresponsive and determined to be deceased at the scene. The initial police investigation into the death has determined it to be accidental and the Alberta Coroners Office will continue the investigation to determine the exact cause of death.

The MHPS has reached out to local social service agencies, who work with vulnerable populations, to advise their clients of potential dangers associated with entering the charitable donation bins.

The MHPS offers condolences to the family of the deceased.

Media Contact:

Inspector Joe West
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

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.

Media Contact:
Insp Joe West
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On May 21, 2019, at approximately 9:11 AM the Medicine Hat Police Service received a call from Crescent Heights High School (CHHS) regarding a suspicious package that was located by staff near a parking lot on campus. Police responded and confirmed that the device had the appearance of an Improvised Explosive Device. CHHS enacted a “Shelter in Place” protocol to assure the safety of students and nearby residents were asked to shelter in place as well. The MHPS Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) responded to CHHS and rendered the device safe with use of the Remote Mobile Investigator.

The initial investigation has concluded that the device was not an explosive device and not capable of causing harm.

The Major Crimes Section has determined the origin of the device and will continue to investigate the intent of its placement but at this time do not believe there is any further safety concern to the community.

Media Contact:

Insp Joe West
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On May 16, 2019, the Medicine Hat Police Service Priority Street Crime Team concluded an investigation that led to the arrest of a female from Medicine Hat who was in possession of approximately 85.2 grams of Cocaine and 28 grams of Fentanyl. Total street value of the drugs estimated at $23,000. Also a small sum of cash was seized from the accused.

Nicole HELLER, 36yrs old has been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking X 3, Proceeds of Crime and Breach of Probation.

Heller has been remanded into custody with her next court appearance scheduled for May 23, 2019.

Media Contact

S/Sgt Brian Christmann
Community Safety Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-581-1056

The suspicious package found at Crescent Heights High School has been rendered inoperable by the MHPS Explosive Disposal Unit. A portion of parking lot will blocked off for further investigation. Shelter in place has been lifted.  Further details will be posted shortly Thank you everyone for your cooperation!

The Medicine Hat Police Service will deploy a new temporary uniformed Foot Patrol Unit in the downtown core this summer, to address public behaviour concerns and increase the feeling of safety for residents and businesses in the area.

Beginning in June 2019, the new unit will patrol an area including North Railway to 3^rd Avenue SE, River Road SE to the SE Hill, with specific attention on the downtown core. The unit will consist of four constables and a supervisor, redeployed from the Priority Street Crimes Unit, who will provide an increased police presence in the area and will enforce laws and bylaws to address nuisance/disrespectful behaviour, traffic and parking issues, while building relationships with those who frequent the area and enhancing partnerships with other community service providers.

The anticipated outcome of this temporary unit will be a reduction of crime and anti-social behaviour, increased feeling of safety and enhanced relationships with the Service. unit will be augmented by members of the MHPS High Visibility Response Team and will be deployed to the area until mid September, at which time the MHPS will evaluate the effectiveness and determine future needs.

Media Contact:
Insp. Joe West
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8410

The Medicine Hat Police Service Municipal Bylaw Section welcomes back Community Standards Assistants, Emilee Jackson and Taylor Vorra! Emilee and Taylor will once again be working with residents throughout the summer to address community standards concerns.

Their role will be to bring education and awareness to community neighborhoods and they will be sharing information about how to keep yards and alleys tidy and weeds under control. Along with attending to concerns identified by the public, Emilee and Taylor will also be visiting neighborhoods and working with property owners in an effort to maintain or improve the appearance of our neighborhoods.

If you see a property in our City that you feel would benefit from a visit from our Community Standards Assistants please call 403-529-8481 and they will be happy to help.

Media Contact:

Heather Trail
Supervisor
Municipal Bylaw Enforcement
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8436

The Medicine Hat Police Service is now accepting applications from individuals interested in participating in a Citizen’ Police Academy (CPA). This outreach program is intended to provide community members with the opportunity to learn more about the MHPS, and gain an increased awareness of current policing issues and community safety concerns, through a series of lectures, hands on learning and practical demonstration.

The CPA will start on September 11, 2019 in the MHPS Community Boardroom and will run weekly on Wednesday evenings from 6pm to 9pm, for ten weeks. The final class will be held on November 13, 2019. The presentations, delivered by police personnel, will be interactive and provide insight into the diverse nature of policing, with topics including; an overview of uniformed operations, specialty teams, major crime investigation, community safety initiatives, and emerging crime trends.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and successfully pass a security clearance check. There will be no cost to register or participate. Class size will be limited to 20 participants. The Academy will conclude with an official graduation ceremony where participants who have successfully completed the program will be presented with a certificate.

Acknowledging the diversity of our community, and understanding that each sector of the community has its own unique policing needs, participants of the CPA will be selected to reflect the broadest possible range of individuals and efforts will be made to ensure a diverse class based on age, gender, ethnic or religious backgrounds. Participants who have an interest in police related issues or work alongside police are encouraged to apply. This includes; community leaders, police family members, members of the media and those interested in a career in law enforcement or future police volunteer opportunities. For those interested in learning more about policing as a possible profession this program could be helpful however the CPA is NOT intended to train people to be police officers and will not be considered as part of the MHPS recruiting and selection process.

For those interested in learning more or applying to participate, Sgt. Mike Fischer, Facilitator of the CPA, will have a booth at the MHPS Open House held on Saturday, June 08 from 11 AM until 3:00 PM or click here for more info. The application deadline for Fall CPA 2019 session is June 26, 2019.

For more information contact:

Sgt. Mike Fischer
Citizen Police Academy Facilitator
Ph: 403-529-8451
Email: michael.fischer@mhps.ca

This week’s focus is on investment-style scams.

You work hard for your money—help protect it by confirming any investment opportunity is legitimate. Investment scams can happen in person, over the phone, online, or through the mail. The goal is to persuade someone to invest in what appears to be an established industry, a new opportunity, or a promising sector. In reality, the money is not invested and is taken by the fraudster.

Ponzi schemes involve investments that do not actually exist. Early investors are paid using funds collected from newer investors, creating the illusion of legitimate returns. These schemes collapse when no new investors can be recruited. Fraudsters often promote high returns with little or no risk—an immediate red flag.

Pyramid schemes rely on recruiting new investors to keep the scheme alive. Participants are encouraged to bring in more people, whose money is used to pay earlier participants. As with Ponzi schemes, when recruitment slows, the entire scheme falls apart. Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Cryptocurrency-related fraud is also on the rise. Cryptocurrency is high-risk and is not regulated in the same way as traditional banking products. Once funds are transferred to another person’s digital wallet, recovering them can be very difficult. The speed at which these funds can move globally can also make investigations more complex.

Real estate scams are another common tactic used by fraudsters. These can include fake rental listings, fraudulent property-investment opportunities, or “sellers” who do not own the property they claim to be offering. Scammers may pressure victims to send deposits or investment funds quickly—before there is time to verify ownership or legitimacy. Confirm property details independently and avoid sending money without appropriate documentation.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Investment Frauds

• Ask questions—and if you’re not satisfied, keep asking.
• Be cautious of high-pressure sales tactics.
• Take your time. Sound investment decisions require thought and consideration.
• Don’t be swayed by appearances or charisma. Focus on the details, not the salesperson.
  • Seek guidance from trusted professionals such as lawyers, accountants, or licensed investment advisors.

• Never rely on verbal agreements. Get everything in writing and keep records.
• Check the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) Investor Alerts to stay informed about current risks.
• Anyone selling securities in Alberta must be registered with the ASC (with very limited exceptions).

To protect yourself from these common scams, stay vigilant—and avoid sharing personal or financial information unless you have independently verified who you are dealing with.

If you believe you’ve been targeted or have sent money, report it as soon as possible to your local police and consider reporting online to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Adam Gregory
Medicine Hat Police Service
Community Support Unit
Phone: 403-529-8451

Online fraud is a significant and growing concern as internet-based communication and digital marketplaces continue to expand. With less face-to-face interaction, it can be harder to recognize warning signs—making it easier for scammers to gain trust and take money or personal information.

Romance scams are among the most common forms of online fraud. Scammers may build an emotional connection and then ask for money for travel, medical emergencies, or other fabricated situations designed to gain trust and sympathy.

Online marketplace scams are also common. Fraudsters may advertise items that do not exist or are misrepresented, then request partial or full payment in advance. When the buyer arrives at the agreed location, the seller does not appear, and the advertisement is often removed.

Lottery and prize scams continue to target victims through emails, texts, or messages claiming the recipient has won a cash prize or valuable item. Scammers may ask for banking or credit card information to “deposit” winnings, or request payment (for example, by wire transfer, e-transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency) to “secure” the prize. Once money or personal information is provided, funds may be withdrawn and no prize is delivered.

Technical support scams are another common tactic. Victims may be contacted by someone posing as a computer or technology professional who claims there is an urgent issue with the victim’s device or online accounts. If remote access is provided, scammers may attempt to capture passwords and banking information, which can then be used to steal funds.

Authorities remind the public that legitimate businesses typically do not request payment by gift cards, cryptocurrency, or unsolicited money transfers. Many scams originate outside Canada, which can make investigations difficult and recovery of funds unlikely.

To reduce the risk of fraud:

• Be cautious with unsolicited emails, texts, calls, or social media messages—especially from people or businesses you do not recognize.
• Do not send money or share banking details based solely on an online relationship or urgent request.
• When buying or selling online, avoid advance payments when possible and use secure, traceable payment methods.
• Independently verify a company or offer before paying. The Better Business Bureau and recommendations from trusted friends and family may help.

Anyone who believes they may be involved in a scam is encouraged to speak with someone they trust and report it to local police. The public is reminded: you cannot win a prize you did not enter—and if something seems too good to be true, it likely is.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Adam Gregory
Medicine Hat Police Service
Community Support Unit
Phone: 403-529-8451