ARTICLES

March 2020 marks the 16^th anniversary of Fraud Prevention Month in Canada.  Fraud Prevention Month is a month-long crime prevention initiative aimed at educating and informing consumers and the community on how to recognize, report and stop fraud.

Thousands of Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life are defrauded each year. There is no typical fraud victim in Canada. With advancements in technology it is now easier for scammers to obtain money or property through fraudulent means and to remain “faceless” as they do so.

Consumers have a role to play in stopping fraud by arming themselves with the facts and reporting fraud when they encounter it.  Recognizing fraud is the first step to better protecting yourself. It is important for consumers to remain vigilant and aware of the many different types of fraud scams out there as they are ever changing and new trends are always emerging.

Throughout the month members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Community Safety Unit will be sharing information about common frauds, scams and tips for individuals and businesses to protect themselves.

·  March 3 - 10AM to 2 PM- Coop Mall on 13^th  Avenue – OPEN TO PUBLIC

·  March 4 - 1PM – Park Place Meadow Ridge Seniors Village

·  March 5 - 2 PM – Medicine Hat Retirement Villa

·  March 9 - 10 AM – The Wellington

·  March 19 – 11 AM – River Ridge

·  March 24 - 6:30 PM – General Fraud Prevention Information

o  MHPS Community Boardroom

o  Presenters: MHPS Community Safety Unit, MHPS Major Crimes Section, and the Better Business Bureau. 

o  This event is free and open to the general public to attend.

·  March 26 - 2PM – Revera Meadowlands Retirement Residence

·  April 15 – 11:30 AM – Cyber Security 101 for Business / Not For Profit

o  MHPS Community Boardroom

o  Presenters: MHPS Community Safety Unit and ATB

o  Event sponsored by APEX Alberta

o  To register:  https://cybersecuritybanking.eventbrite.com

To keep yourself in the loop about Fraud Prevention Month activities occurring provincially, follow the hashtag #FPM2020 and #fightfraud on social media or visit the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association website at www.albertacrimeprevention.com/fraud-prevention-month.

For more information about frauds and scams visit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre at http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.

Media Contact:

Sgt Darlene Garrecht
Medicine Hat Police Service
Community Safety Unit
Ph: 403-529-8451

In an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19, and to protect the health & safety of first responders and members of the community, the Medicine Hat Police Service will be adjusting response protocols while maintaining the continuity of public safety service delivery.There will be no disruption or changes to emergency response protocols and use of 9-1-1.

Effective March 16, 2020 at 7:00 AM, a call center will be established at the police station (located at 884 2^nd Street SE) to assist the community with all non-emergency police calls for service.  All inquiries and reports of non-emergency events can be provided by calling 403-529-8481 or filing a report via the MHPS mobile app or website online reporting (www.mhps.ca). 

These changes will also affect the Collision Reporting Center (CRC).  To report a motor vehicle collision with no injuries call the CRC 403-581-1070.

This temporary measure is being taken, and will be re-evaluated on an ongoing basis.  We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Media Contact:

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

MHPS Privacy Statement

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is committed to providing a website that respects your privacy. This statement summarizes the privacy policy and practices on the mhps.ca website and all associated systems, processes and applications (including the mobile app) under the direct control of the MHPS. MHPS is a public body subject to Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (​FOIPP) Act.

Privacy​​ Overview

MHPS does not automatically gather any personal information from you. This information is only obtained if you supply it voluntarily through contacting MHPS via email or online forms or by setting up a user account. 

When you visit mhps.ca (or use the mobile app), the MHPS web server automatically collects a limited amount of standard information essential to the operation and evaluation of the MHPS website. This information includes:

• the page from which you arrived,
• the date and time of your page request,
• the Internet Protocol (IP) address your computer is using to receive information,
• the type and version of your browser, and
• the name and size of the file you requested.

This information is not used to identify individuals who come to the MHPS website or mobile app. This information is only used to help MHPS assess its information services and is collected in compliance with Section 33(c) of Alberta’s FOIPP, which permits the collection of information that relates directly to and is necessary for an operating program or activity of the public body.

Information Collected ​through Form Submissions or Service Requests

The personal information you submit through MHPS feedback forms/mediums – including email address and contact information – is collected by MHPS staff solely for the purpose of responding to your information or service request.

​This information is not disclosed except to authorized personnel (MHPS staff or contractors) for the purpose of addressing your feedback. Any personal information you submit to the MHPS website is secured once it reaches MHPS servers. However, MHPS cannot guarantee the security of your information before it reaches MHPS servers.

Mobile Application Permissions

Permission to device information/functionality (location data, notifications, telephone, calendar, and storage) is explicitly requested by the application and must be granted by the end user.  The granted permissions are used in relation to app functionality and not collected for other purposes.

Cookies

Cookies are temporary files that may be placed on your hard drive while you visit a website. Cookies are used to track how visitors use mhps.ca and the mobile application, but MHPS does not store personal information through cookies, nor does MHPS collect personal information from you without your knowledge as you browse the website or use the mobile application. Any cookies on mhps.ca or the mobile application are used to aid in the collection of anonymous statistical information such as:

• browser type
• screen size,
• traffic patterns,
• pages visited.

This information helps MHPS improve both mhps.ca (mobile app included) and its service to citizens. It is not disclosed to any third parties. However, if you are concerned about cookies, you can adjust your web browser to reject all cookies. All site features with the exception of the interac​tive map should function normally if cookies are disabled.

Security and​ IP addre​sses

Your computer uses a unique IP address when browsing the Internet. MHPS may collect IP addresses to monitor any security breaches on mhps.ca and other online services (mobile app etc.). No attempt is made to identify users or their usage patterns unless unauthorized use of the MHPS website is detected or is required for a law enforcement investigation. IP addresses are stored for a term that complies with the MHPS existing auditing requirements.

Privacy and E​xternal Links

The mhps.ca website, and mobile app, contains links to external sites that are not associated with MHPS. MHPS is not responsible for the content and the privacy practices of these other websites and MHPS encourages you to examine each site's privacy policy and disclaimers before providing any personal information.

More Information

If you do not feel comfortable providing feedback via our website (mobile application included), or to request more information, please contact MHPS.

​For general inquiries regarding MHPS online feedback mediums and the associated privacy statement, contact:

MHPS Information Technology Department

Email: support@mhps.ca
Phone: 403-529-8400

Concerns regarding access to information or privacy issues under FOIP should be directed to:​

Information Coordinator

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

Phone: 403-529-8400

Online reporting can 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
• 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
• 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.
• Theft of mail (including packages from postal services and other delivery services)
• Stolen property for sale online (including; Kijiji, Craigslist, Facebook, etc.)

For all other property-related offences, please 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.

Other service that can be completed online or thru the MHPS mobile app include:

• Police Information Checks - (18 years or older)
• Submitting Crime Tips
• Parking Ticket Appeals 
• Alarm System Registration 

Payment of pet licenses can be made at City Hall or APARC and payment of parking tickets can be completed at City Hall.

Required Commitment & Availability:

• Three (3) Call-Out Shifts per month (12 hrs/shift): includes days and/or evenings and weekend shifts
• Two (2) hrs/week in station office support at the MHPS; and,
• A Valid Driver’s License.

General Requirements for Volunteers

• Pass Criminal Record Check, Police Security Screening, and Reference Checks;
• Complete all required training, including:

1. 50 hr Online Course;
2. Required Team Training
3. Mentoring with senior volunteers.

• Able to report for all scheduled shifts.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.;
• Willing to offer non-judgmental peer support.
• Practice empathic and active listening skills.
• Participate in ongoing training and team meetings.

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) continues to receive numerous reports from community members who have fallen victim to phone scams. Fraudsters will often represent themselves as police officers or as employees of Revenue Canada and the calls can either be a real voice or a recording prompting you to press a number to connect with an agent. Notable recent scams include;

The scammer will pose as a police officer who claims the victim’s SIN has been compromised and used in fraudulent activity. The individual called is asked to confirm their SIN and other personal information. The scammer then tells the victim that they owe money and must pay in Bitcoin or else the officer will arrest the victim. Victims are instructed to withdraw money from their bank account and deposit into a local bitcoin machine or requested to purchase google play cards, scratch the code on the back and provide that to the scammer.

The MHPS reminds citizens to always be wary of phone calls from anyone claiming you are under investigation, or that your personal information has been compromised, that there is a warrant for your arrest or that you owe money for some other purpose, especially from callers who are aggressive in demanding money.

As a reminder, no police agency or Revenue Canada employee will ever demand you pay money through bitcoin, Google Play cards or request that you send cash money in the mail.

Bank Investigator Scam

Common with this fraud is a scammer will call to ask for help to catch a bank employee who has been stealing money. To help, the person needs to go to their bank and make a cash withdrawal from their account.

The scammer tells the person not to let the bank teller know what you're doing because the teller might be involved.

After the withdrawal, the scammer meets the individual in a nearby parking lot, where the cash is exchanged.

The MHPS reminds citizens that banks will never have a customer withdraw money from their account to try and help catch a bank employee.

Immigration extortion

With this scam, the scammer calls and claims to be with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (formerly Citizenship and Immigration Canada). They tell the person that they've failed to complete or register certain immigration documents. They insist that the individual needs to pay fees immediately or risk:

• deportation
• loss of passport
• loss of citizenship

Taxpayer or Canada Revenue Agency

This common scam involves a scammer who claims to be an employee of either the Canada Revenue Agency or Service Canada. They state that the person:

• owe back taxes
• have unpaid balances; or
• has committed a financial crime

They insist that if the money is not paid immediately, the person will be arrested, fined or even deported.

The scammers sometimes request payment via money service businesses, pre‐paid cards/gift cards (iTunes, Google Play or Steam cards) or Bitcoin.

How to protect yourself

Don’t be the victim of a scam. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. These scams can result in:

• identity theft
• fraud
• loss of cash monies
• theft from your bank account or credit card and
• computer viruses

Remember:

• Canada Revenue Services or Bank employees will never:
• Telephone you to collect money or payments
• ask you to deposit money into a personal bank account
• ask you to transfer money through private money transfer service such as Bitcoin, ITune cards or Google Play Cards
• threaten you
• offer special deals to people who want to immigrate or

Don't be a victim of phone fraud

These tips will help keep you from getting victimized by telemarketing​ scammers:

• Don't believe everyone who calls with an exciting promotion or investment opportunity.
• Don't disclose personal information about yourself, your bank accounts, credit cards or address over the telephone.
• Don't be afraid to hang up.
• Don't be afraid to ask for documentation to verify a product or investment. But remember, even the unscrupulous have professionally prepared literature, catalogues and invoices.
• Don't be pressured into making a decision. Any legitimate gift or prize will still be available tomorrow.
• Do take the time to call a friend, relative, banker or a police agency before making a decision to send money.
• Do take the opportunity to ask the caller questions about their offer or promotion. No legitimate company will refuse your inquiries.
• Do ask for literature so you can read about the company before making a commitment.
• Do ask the company for references from other customers who live in your area.

If you receive a call and are unsure of its legitimacy please call the MHPS at 403 529-8457 to speak with an officer.  If you have received a fraudulent call but are not a victim, there is no need to call police but you may report to the Anti Fraud Centre here

The Medicine Hat Police Service has 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.

The Police Chief is the Chief Executive Officer of the Police Service and is responsible for overall leadership and direction of the organization.  As the senior leader, the incumbent reports directly to the Police Commission, ensuring accomplishment of their overall strategic objectives. The Police Chief progressively develops the Service, ensuring alignment with the Police Service Mission and Core Values. The incumbent maintains responsibility for all aspects of policing in Medicine Hat, including planning, coordination, administration and implementation of Police Service operations.

The Chief will be a visible and inspiring leader in the community. Working collaboratively for the common good of the City of Medicine Hat, the Chief will be a strong communicator, approachable and engaged in the community, and demonstrate confidence in leadership with a commitment to continuous improvement.

To be considered as the next Police Chief you will:

• possess a relevant education and career background; a combination of education and experience may be considered.
• have significant experience in a progressive policing environment within a community with varied and complex issues.
• ideally possess a minimum of 10 years’ experience in a unionized police service.
• have progressive leadership experience including at least 5 years in senior management roles
• possess strong people skills.
• have a track record of community leadership experience collaborating with multiple key stakeholders.
• have demonstrated success and experience integrating strategy, people and business practices.

If this opportunity Interests you, find out more through Leaders International at this link: https://lnkd.in/gBQGZ-V

NOTE: For all inquiries and interest, contact Leaders International directly.  Only applications submitted directly to Leaders International will be reviewed for consideration.

The Medicine Hat Police Service has partnered with Bike Index and is encouraging cyclists to register their bikes.

Bike Index is a non-profit, online bike registry to prove ownership, alert the community if a bike has been stolen, search a found bicycle to identify its owner and help police return recovered bicycles to their rightful owners as soon as possible.  Similar partnerships with the Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge Police Services have proven to be effective.

Bike Index enables owners to create a free account and in just a few minutes their bike is registered. Owners can create an account at BikeIndex.org, including the bike’s serial number, make, model, and colour. A photo can be added as well as additional details like aftermarket parts and other distinguishing features. 

Register your bike here:

Non-Stolen Bike

Stolen Bike

In addition to registering with Bike Index, citizens are also reminded to safeguard their bikes by taking steps to help reduce the risk of theft. 

On average, each year the MHPS receives 150 reports of bikes stolen, with only 15-20 of those returned to the owner.  However the total number of recovered bikes each year is in excess of 200 which suggests thefts are under reported. The MHPS currently has a number of recovered bikes in our compound located on the east side of the annex building located across from the station at 884 2^nd Street SE. Anyone whose bike has been stolen is encouraged to attend the station and take a look. If you observe your bike, call 403-529-8479 during business hours to speak to a Property Clerk. Bikes are held for a minimum of 30 days then sent to auction.

While there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of theft, police advise cyclists to always use a good lock – a U-lock is recommended. Lock your wheels and frame together, use a designated bike rack as sign poles, trees, fences, etc. are not as secure, lock bikes in well-lit, well-traveled areas, when possible do not leave a locked bike on a public street overnight and at home secure your bike – locked up if possible – in a locked garage or shed.

If your bike is stolen report it to police online here, via the MHPS mobile app, or by calling 403-529-8481 to file a police report.