ARTICLES

The holiday season is a time to celebrate with colleagues, family and friends, and the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) would like to remind those who will be driving to those celebrations to plan ahead to ensure a safe ride home. Throughout the month, drivers can expect increased officer presence as check stops are conducted to promote safe roads.

Some of the check stops will be advertised, including one held this weekend on December 11, 2021, and one on December 18, 2021, while others will not. Check stops will be conducted at various times through the day.

Drivers are also reminded that in December of 2018 new impaired driving legislation came into effect, including the introduction of Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS). When entering a check stop drivers will be required to provide a sample of breath. The MAS test is very quick to complete. The device provides an immediate reading and drivers that pass will continue on their way in as little as 30 seconds. The goal is to provide minimal disruption to motorists while enhancing the safety of our roadways.

In 2019 the MHPS charged 128 impaired drivers. In 2020, 88 were charged and year-to-date in 2021, (as of December 7) there have been 104 charges for an Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS) Fail under the new legislation. In addition, there have been 76 other IRS sanctions issued for 24 hr and warning suspensions.

Every death and injury caused by impaired driving is preventable. We all have a responsibility when it comes to preventing drinking and driving. If you suspect someone of driving under the influence, please call 9-1-1.

There are many options and no excuses for driving impaired. Drive safe Medicine Hat!

Media Contact:

Sgt. Gerald Sadlemyer
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471

The Medicine Hat Police along with other emergency services are currently at the scene of a serious incident in the parking lot of Walmart.  We are asking the public to avoid the parking lot entrance by Tony Romas.  Walmart is still open during this time.  Updates will be provided when they become available.

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) wants you to become a member of our team! We have an exciting opportunity for you to join a dedicated group of police professionals, serving and protecting our community with pride. As a member of the MHPS you will be part of a progressive, thriving organization and a community with plenty to offer.

The MHPS is currently seeking applicants for the position of police constable. Ten applicants will be selected from this application process, be sworn in as police cadets and commence 20 weeks of police recruit training at the MHPS starting on October 3, 2022.

The Police Cadet training program has been accredited by the Lethbridge College and will follow standards set forth by the Alberta Solicitor General’s office. Upon successful completion of the cadet training program, the Cadets will be selected for immediate employment as a police constable with the MHPS.

If you are ready for an exciting and rewarding career in law enforcement, in one of the most beautiful cities in Canada, click here for more information about the MHPS and this exciting opportunity.

For information about Police Recruit minimum requirements – click here

Member of the MHPS Recruitment Team will be holding an online information session on December 8, 2021, at 7:30 PM on to provide information and answer any questions on the standards and application process. Interested participant are required to register.  To register click here 

Application deadline is March 11, 2022.

If you have any additional questions you may contact a member of the MHPS Recruitment Team by email at recruiting@mhps.ca

Media Contact:

Cst. Kinsi Steiger
Recruitment Team
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-458-2037

On November 25, 2021, Chad Lentz was located in Calgary, AB and arrested with the assistance of the Calgary Police Service for outstanding arrest warrants from Medicine Hat. Lentz was the subject of an investigation into an aggravated assault that occurred in Medicine Hat, AB on November 11th, 2021.

Media Contact:

Rita Sittler
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

A 30-year-old male has been charged with arson following an investigation into a suspicious fire that occurred in the ATM area of a bank located in downtown Medicine Hat on November 1^st, 2021.

On the morning of November 1, 2021, the Medicine Hat Fire Department responded to a fire in the ATM vestibule of a bank located in the 600 block of 3 Street SE. Fire investigators deemed the fire to be suspicious with an estimated value of the damage exceeding $75,000.

The Medicine Hat Police Major Crimes Unit initiated an investigation which resulted in, Mawien Marac, being charged on November 19, 2021, with arson and two counts of disobeying a court order. Marac was remanded in custody with his next court appearance scheduled for Thursday, November 25, 2021.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Darcy Brandt
Major Crimes Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

November is Family Violence Prevention month.  Throughout the month the Medicine Hat Police Service has been sharing information to raise awareness about resources and supports available to assist families in needs. 

The Safe Family Intervention Team is a partnership between the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society (MHWSS) and the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS).

In 2014, in response to a serious domestic violence incident that occurred in our community, the MHWSS and MHPS advocated for funding to build a team responsible for working strictly with domestic/family violence. As a result, the Safe Family Intervention team was created (SFIT). At first the team was comprised of one police officer and two outreach workers but has since expanded to a supervisor and four MHWSS staff members, who work with the MHPS officer.

The focus of SFIT is to provide early identification and assessment of families that may need family violence intervention. SFIT is committed to the reduction of repeat domestic violence related calls through education and safety planning. SFIT ensures that women, children, and men have access to services within the MHWSS and also provides the necessary resources, services and referrals for families to establish healthy violence free relationships.

SFIT works closely with other support agencies within the community such; Child and Family Services, Alberta Health Services, Probation, Victim Assistance, the Crown Prosecutor and Community Housing to ensure the families are provided with the services needed.

Anyone experiencing family violence can access these services. A police referral is not required.

To contact the SFIT team phone 403-458-2037 or visit https://mhps.ca/posts/post/366 for more information.

Three males have been charged with assault following an altercation in the downtown.

On Saturday, November 7, 2021, at approximately 11:00 PM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a report of a male who had received significant injuries and required medical assistance. Upon arrival a second male was also located with injuries related to the same incident. An investigation conducted by the Patrol Section, in conjunction with the Major Crimes Section, determined that a fight had broken out between three males in the 300 block of 6 Avenue SE. The fight escalated and several weapons were produced. Two of the males required medical treatment for their injuries. All three of the individuals were known to each other and this was not a random incident.

Resulting from the investigation charges have been laid against all three individuals.

Nathan Wiens, 26 years old, charged with assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon, possess weapon dangerous to the public and fail to comply with Probation Order

Wilson Thorn, 23 years old, charged with assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon and possess weapon dangerous to the public.

Brendon Webb, 29 years old, charged with assault causing bodily harm.

All three males have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear in court.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Todd Hodgins
Major Crimes Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On November 17^th, members of the Regional Property Crimes Unit obtained a search warrant for a residence in the 100 block of 1^st Ave SW. The search warrant allowed entry to the location to search for stolen property and weapons. Once at the location several people exited the location after Police contained the residence and ordered the safe exit of all occupants. At the scene Police were able to determine that the primary offender had refused to exit and had barricaded himself within the location, with the stolen property and weapons.

Members at scene determined the situation to be high risk due to the circumstances and enacted MHPS protocols for such events. As a results members of the MHPS Tactical Team, K-9 unit and Crisis Negotiators attend the location. At approximately 5:15 p.m. members of the Crisis Negotiators Team were able to successful negotiate the accused from the residence, without injury.

A 39-year old Medicine Hat resident is currently in police custody for several offences. Investigators will now execute the search warrant on the location, to determine the exact nature of the charges. The accused name can be released after the conclusion of the investigation and the formal charges have been sworn to.

The MHPS would like to thank the public for their assistance in this matter.

ALERT has seized nearly two kilograms of methamphetamine as part of a major drug seizure in Medicine Hat. The meth seizure is believed to be the city’s largest.

ALERT’s Medicine Hat organized crime team seized 1.9 kilograms of meth from a home the South Flats area. The record seizure was realized on November 5, 2021, after four search warrants were executed, bringing the two-month investigation to a close.

One person has been charged, while additional arrests are anticipated. Medicine Hat Police Service provided assistance on the investigation.

“Disrupting the meth trade has been a priority for ALERT over the past several years. Together, with our partners in Medicine Hat Police and RCMP, we have taken significant quantities of meth off the street and arrested more than 100 suspected dealers since 2018,” said Inspector Sean Boser, ALERT Regional teams.

“The presence of methamphetamine is not only harmful to drug users, but also negatively impacts the overall health and safety of all citizens of Medicine Hat. Police agencies are committed to working together to disrupt drug trafficking networks and keep the community safe,” said Inspector Brent Secondiak, MHPS.

The value of the seizure is estimated at $235,000, and included:

• 1,900 grams of meth;

• 59 grams of fentanyl;

• 15 grams of cocaine;

• 55 tabs of LSD;

• 2.5 grams of MDMA;

• 900 milliliters of GHB;

• 7 grams of psilocybin mushrooms; and

• $100,610 cash.

A firearm was also seized and will be submitted for forensic analysis.

Robert Pegoraro, 24, was charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and several firearms-related offences.

The 1.9 kilogram meth seizure eclipses what was thought to be Medicine Hat’s previous largest seizure of 1.7 kilograms that was realized in April 2020. ALERT Medicine Hat also seized 1.13 kilograms in July 2019 and 1.02 kilograms in December 2017.

In 2021, ALERT teams from across the province combined to seize more than 57 kilograms of meth.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Kelsey Fraser
Organized Crime Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8425

In June 2021, the Disclosure to Protect Against Domestic Violence Act, commonly referred to as Clare’s Law came into effect in Alberta. The legislation outlines access to information that allows people to make informed choices about potentially harmful intimate partner relationships and is an important tool in protecting Albertans from domestic violence.

It identifies an individual’s right to ask for information regarding their current or former intimate partner’s potential risk for domestic violence. A person can also apply on behalf of someone else if they have their consent, are a legal guardian of the applicant, or have legal authority of the person. Applicants must provide a reason for why they are asking for information.

In addition, it allows police officers to apply, through the Right to Know process, to proactively provide relevant information to an individual if they have reason to suspect intimate partner violence is likely to occur. Information that may lead to a Right to Know request may come from a variety of sources, such as other investigative actions and anonymous reporting. The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act allows police to disclose information under circumstances of imminent risk.

For Clare’s Law purposes, domestic violence is the actual or threatened use of force in an intimate partner relationship that may include a single act or a number of acts of violence, which could include: physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological abuse; criminal harassment (like stalking); threats to harm children, other family members or pets; property damage; and exerting control over movements, communications or finances.

To be eligible for Clare’s Law a person must:

• live in Alberta

• be in an intimate partner relationship

• have a reason for applying which details why you feel at risk

• have met the person they have requested information about

• be willing to talk to, and meet with police to receive disclosure information

The Clare’s Law process consists of three steps:

1. Initiation and validation of the application
2. Risk assessment
3. Providing the disclosure

There is no cost to apply. Once an application and all information has been confirmed, the Alberta government will confirm if the application is eligible under Clare’s Law.

For more information or to complete an application visit: Alberta.ca/ClaresLaw