ARTICLES

Who will talk to my child?

Your child will be talking to a Child Interview Specialist. The Interviewer is specially trained in evidence-based interviewing techniques that allow children to talk about what might have happened when there are concerns that a crime may have occurred. The interviews are meant to be child-friendly in all ways - from the look of the interview room to the interviewer's efforts to match the talking pace of your child.

Your child will never be forced to talk and is allowed to take breaks or end the interview at any time.

Feel free to share with the detective or advocate any information that you think the interviewer should have about your child, including any language delays or fears about the interview.

How can I help my child before the interview?

Let your child know that other kids come to talk with the interviewer and that it is the interviewer’s job to listen to kids.  Give your child permission to talk to the interviewer about anything that might have happened to them. Assure them that you will be nearby and available if they need you. Tell them that they are not in any trouble, and remind them of the importance to tell the truth.

You might tell your child, “I’m going to take you to see someone who talks to kids. They talk to kids about all sorts of things that might have happened to them. You are not in trouble. It’s okay to tell everything that’s happened. It’s always important that you tell the truth.” 

When should I tell my child about the interview?

As the parent or guardian you are the best judge as to when to tell your child that they will be going to an interview. In general, telling your child a day before the interview ‐ or even on the way to the interview ‐ allows enough time so that the interview is not a surprise but does not cause your child a great deal of anxiety. An advocate is available to talk with you before the interview to answer any questions or concerns.

Can my child bring food or toys into the interview?

Most kids have a limited attention span and toys and food can distract children from speaking with the interviewer. Remind your child that the purpose of the meetng is to talk (not play) with the interviewer. Feeding your child before the interview is recommended. 

Can I watch the interview?

No. The people who watch the interview are the detectve and sometmes a social worker. Children need to be able to talk in a place that is as neutral as possible and having a parent or guardian in the room or witnessing the interview makes that more difficult. Additionally, parents and/or guardians are often witnesses in potential legal cases and your testimony may be compromised by watching the child interview. The interview is recorded on video.

How long will the interview last? What happens when the interview is over?

The length of the interview will be shaped by your child ‐ by their attention span, their pacing, and how much they have to say.  Most interviews last approximately 45 ‐ 60 minutes. After the interview the detectve can tell you in general terms what was learned and can answer your questions about the investigation.

How can I help my child after the interview?

Thank your child for talking to the interviewer and listen to them if they choose to talk about the interview. It’s important not to pressure your child to talk about the interview.

Assure your child of your love and support no matter what they said during the interview. 

Tell your child that it is not their fault if something happened to them and that there are people who are going to help them.

What about Counseling?

Children and teens may struggle with confusion, worries and other intense emotions related to the abuse. Counseling can help children and teens to process these thoughts and feelings and to develop a healthy and empowering way to understand and cope with the memory of the abuse. You might tell your child "Even though your body is safe now, kids sometimes have worries or fears about what happened that won't go away. A counselor can help with your worries and fears."

Directions to Interview:

Interviews are held at one of two locatons in Medicine Hat. Your detective will let you know where to go for your child’s interview. The following addresses will assist you in the location of the interview.

Medicine Hat Police Service 884 2 Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8H2

Southern Alberta Child & Family Services 201-346 3rd Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2B8

The Safe Families Intervention Team (SFIT) is a partnership that was formed between the Medicine Hat Police Service and the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society (MHWSS). The unit works between the Medicine Hat Police Service and the MHWSS Outreach Office located at the Ridge. The unit consist of one MHPS Constable and 5 MHWSS Outreach staff members.

The Mission of this unit is to provide a collaborative, timely and effective team response in partnership with support agencies to assist families in dealing with incidents of family violence.  We believe that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to live a violent free life.

We strive to achieve the following outcomes:

• Provide early identification and the appropriate assessment(s) of families that may be in need of family violence intervention referral service
• Reduce repeat domestic violence related calls to MHPS
• Ensure that women, children and men have access to services with MHWSS
• Provide the necessary resources, services and referrals for families to establish healthy violence free relationships

In an effort to achieve these outcomes, we make follow-up calls on police reported instances to see if there is some way we can help the family involved.  We also establish contact when families are either referred to us by others or are self-referred.

If you are in an abusive relationship and would like information about creating a safety plan - click here to for a Strategies for Safety quick reference guide

Contact:

Safe Family Intervention Team
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8463
Email: sfit@mhps.ca

Following Patrol Team 4's lead, other units and sections of the MHPS wanted to join in on the fun. In total $2,200 was raised by the staff of the MHPS to be used to spread some joy in our community over the holidays. 

MHPS is pleased to offer the ability to purchase goods and services online.

Please click the link below to connect to our online store.

http://shop.mhpay.ca 

Some frequently asked questions about photo radar include:

Is photo radar enforcement automatic or is it under operator control?

Photo Radar is a combination of both, it is an automatic system which triggers an image being taken when an excessive speed is detected by the photo radar system and each violation is reviewed by the operator for accuracy and other related variables.  Both the photo radar system and operators work together when enforcing speed limits in Medicine Hat.

How many photo radar vehicles are deployed throughout the city of Medicine Hat?

The unit utilizes two vehicles to monitor the various photo radar sites throughout the City. One of the vehicles is mainly dedicated to monitoring speeds within school and playground zones.

How are photo radar enforcement sites selected?

All sites are selected pursuant to the guidelines set out by the Province of Alberta. Photo radar sites are selected based on one or more of the following criteria:

·  high collision locations;

·  school and playground zones;

·  construction zones;

·  citizen concerns;

·  areas /intersections where conventional enforcement is unsafe or ineffective or a documented history of speeding

To view a complete list of photo radar site locations click here

Automated Traffic Enforcement Location Assessment

How do I get photo radar to set up on my street?

If you are concerned about speeding in your area of the community, you can report your concerns to the Traffic Unit Sergeant at 403 529-8471 or submit your concern via a Traffic Services Request form.

The Traffic Sergeant will review your concerns and follow up with you to discuss your concerns and determine if a photo radar unit will be deployed in your area.

How will I be notified of an offence?

A violation ticket will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.

Does someone review the photographs before motorists are ticketed?

Yes. Persons designated as peace officers in the province of Alberta operate the mobile photo radar vehicles. The operator is responsible for setting up and testing the equipment in the vehicle. The operator also observes and makes notes on each violation.  The operators review every image to verify that the vehicle is in violation and that the vehicle information is correct. Tickets are mailed to registered owners where it is clear that the vehicle committed a speed infraction.

If I receive a violation ticket what are my options?

You may plead guilty to the offence charged by mailing and voluntarily paying the amount specified on or before the appearance date indicated on the ticket OR plead not guilty. Once a ticket is issued to the registered owner, it becomes a Provincial Court matter. Options are listed on the violation ticket as to how you may address or contest the violation ticket.

Where can I pay for the ticket?

Tickets can be paid in person at any registry office or the Provincial Courthouse. You must bring your ticket with you when making a payment.  If you wish to mail your payment, follow instructions on your ticket and mail to the Provincial Traffic Production Center 601 5th Street SW, Calgary, AB T2P 5P7.  You may also pay your ticket online at www.finepayment.gov.ab.ca.  Service fees will apply at a Registry Office or if you pay online.

If I plead guilty to a photo radar offence, will I receive demerits against my driver’s license?

No. There are no demerit points associated to any automated enforcement tickets, as they are issued to the registered owner of the vehicle and not a specific person as the driver.

Does a ticket impact my insurance?

No.  Your driving record and your National Safety Code Profile are not affected by automated enforcement tickets.

Where does the money from Automated Traffic Enforcement go?

The Province of Alberta retains 41.67% of the total fine amount, 15% of which is directed towards Victim Services, and 26.67% is an administrative fee retained by the government.  The balance of the fine (58.33%) when paid is directed to the Municipal Government. If there is a late payment penalty attached to the fine, the province receives the surcharge amount associated.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Medicine Hat Police Service!

Benefits of Volunteering

For many years volunteers have played an important role in our organization, enhancing the services that we provide to our community through our Victim Assistance and Auxiliary Police Officer Volunteer programs. We have been proud to partner with many talented, skilled and selfless individuals who have offered the gift of their time and unique skills sets to supplement and support our policing efforts. The success of these programs has led us to expand our existing volunteer program to included other opportunities for dedicated individuals to join with us and contribute to creating a positive impact in our community.

Volunteering with the Medicine Hat Police Service will give you the opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and become more familiar with the policing needs of our community.  And in return, as a representative of our community, you may also be able to provide us with insight into issues that would allow the MHPS to improve our effectiveness and connection with the community as a whole.

Volunteer Requirements

Members of the public who wish to volunteer will be required to successfully pass a police information check, adhere to the procedures and guidelines outline in the MHPS Volunteer Handbook and responsible to read and comply with the MHPS Volunteer Policy.  All volunteers will be required to attend a mandatory orientation and training session prior to the commencement of any volunteer activity.  Supplemental security clearance and training may be required depending on the volunteer position applied for.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Victim Assistance Unit

Medicine Hat Safe Community Association

Citizens Police Academy The Citizens Police Academy is a Medicine Hat Police Service outreach program intended to provide community members with the opportunity to learn more about their local police service.  Through a series of lectures, hands-on learning and practical demonstrations provided by police personnel, participants will gain an understanding of the MHPS, its role, daily operations, as well as increased awareness of current policing issues and community safety concerns.  The Academy concludes with an official graduation ceremony where participants who have successfully completed the program will be presented with a participation certificate.

Class Information

The course is hosted in the MHPS Community Boardroom and runs weekly on Wednesday evenings, for approximately three hours, for eight consecutive weeks.  Applicants must be at least 18 years old and successfully pass a security clearance check.  There is no cost to participate. Class size is limited to 20 participants.

Course Syllabus

These presentations will be interactive and provide insight into the diverse nature of policing in Medicine Hat.  Topics covered will include but are not limited to:

• Overview of police uniformed operations
• Overview of specialty teams including; Tactical Arrest and Control Team, Explosive Disposal Unit and Crisis Negotiators
• Major Crime Investigations
• Community Safety Initiatives
• Community partnerships including; Police and Crisis Team, Safe Families Intervention Team
• Victim Services
• Employee Wellness Programs
• Emerging Crime Trends
• Firearms and Control Tactics
• Canine Demonstration

Participant Selection Process

Each community has its own policing needs and participants are selected to reflect the broadest possible range of individuals who have a significant role within the community, based on their employment and or affiliations.  Efforts will be made to ensure a diverse class based on age, gender, ethnic or religious backgrounds.  We encourage participants who have an interest in police related issues or work alongside police 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.

Note: For those interested in learning more about policing as a possible profession this program could be helpful however the Citizens Police Academy is NOT intended to train people to be police officers and will not be considered as part of the MHPS recruiting and selection process. Please refer to the Medicine Hat Police Service Recruiting Page for more information.

How to apply?

Applications for the fall 2024 CPA have now closed.  Those who applied and are selected to participate will be contacted.

For more information contact:

Sgt. Carissa Witkowski
Training Unit
Ph: 403-952-5642
Email: carwit@mhps.ca

Online reporting may be used for reporting a crime if the loss or damage is under $5,000 and there are no suspects.  Reports can be filed online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Once the information is submitted, a file number will be generated and final report returned to the email provided, usually within 24 hours. If you do not have internet access or have an email address, you can report the incident by calling (403) 529-8481.

The following report types should be submitted online:

• Theft from vehicle (car prowling)– Up to $5,000 value of property
• Theft of property– Up to $5,000 value of property
• NEW - Theft of credit or debit card (when that is the only item missing)
• Mischief to vehicle– such as vandalism
• Mischief to property– such as vandalism & graffiti
• Lost property– with the exception of government-issued ID such as passports. Please call (403) 529-8481 to report lost government issued documents.
• Attempted stolen vehicle– regardless of damage value
• NEW - Break & enter into unlocked premise other than residential (includes; sheds, parking garages, storage lockers, detached garages, etc.) Residential and commercial break and enters should be reported to (403)-529-8481.
• NEW - Theft of mail (including packages from postal services and other delivery services)
• NEW - Stolen property for sale online (including; Kijiji, Craigslist, Facebook, etc.)

For all other property-related offences, call the MHPS non-emergency line 403-529-8481, where officers are available to answer questions and take some reports over the phone.

To report a motor vehicle collision with no injuries call the Collision Reporting Centre at 403-581-1070.

Call 9-1-1 for all emergencies and to report crimes in progress.

For more information or to determine if your event meets the criteria for filing online, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions.

To begin the process, please click HERE.

Please note that some or all of the following are applicable only if you are the victim and the accused person(s) is charged with a crime.  Please contact the Victim Assistance Unit office for more details at 403-529-8480. 

Interim Victims of Crime Assistance Program:

Help for Victims of Crime: Overview

Victims of crime can get a monetary benefit to acknowledge victimization, based on serious injuries directly suffered from a crime. This includes a Serious Injury Benefit for victims who are seriously injured as a direct result of crime who require assistance to perform daily functions and a death benefit reimbursement for funeral costs of victims who died as a result of violent crime.

Serious Injury Benefit Application Form
Death Benefit Application Form

Victims of crime can also apply for financial assistance to help with emergency safety and security expenses, court attendance expenses, as well as access to psychological supports for injuries suffered from the crime and must be received within 45 days of the incident.

• Emergency Crime Victim Assistance  - financial assistance following a violent crime to assist with safety and security-related losses and damages
• Court Attendance Expense Reimbursement - for expenses related to court attendance for specified events, such as sentencing or providing a victim impact statement.
• Counselling - Immediate access to short-term supports to assist in dealing with the psychological impacts related to specified Criminal Code offences.

Emergency Crime Victim Assistance Application

Court Attendance Expense Reimbursement Application

Counselling Program Application

Victim Impact Statement

Victims of crime are entitled to submit a Victim Impact Statement.  It is an opportunity to communicate to the court how this crime has affected their life and to describe any physical or emotional impact that has been experienced as a result.  If you plan to complete a Victim Impact Statement you must notify the Victim Assistance Unit office as soon as possible. 

Victim Impact Statement

Victim Impact Statement Brochure

Restitution Recovery Program

If you have lost money, property, or had extra expenses as a result of this crime you may apply for restitution.  It is important to return the Request for Restitution to police quickly so that the court may consider it if the accused person is found guilty and convicted.

Restitution Statement

Restitution Brochure

Community Impact Statement

A community impact statement is a chance to let the judge know how your community has been hurt because of a crime and can be submitted on behalf of a community by one community representative.

Community Impact Statement Brochure

Community Impact Statement