BIG CITY, BIG EVENTS, BIG AMENITIES, BIG FUTURE PROGRESS 2019 Page 27
TheWatch hits the city’s streets Volunteers eager tomake adifference indowntownLethbridge
Nick Kuhl LETHBRIDGE HERALD
nkuhl@lethbridgeherald.com B
usiness owners and citizens have seen“a lot of red shirts” walking the
streets of downtown Lethbridge in the past fewweeks, says Jeff Hansen,manager for TheWatch program —which began operations onMay 1. Hansen,who has
an extensive backgroundworking with lawenforcement and social services in Canada and theU.S., began his newrole as Watchmanager in April. Hanson is originally
citizens of Lethbridge and our stakeholders, theywanted something different,” said LPSChief RobDavis. “This initiative provides that
opportunity andwe are confident itwill have a positive impact downtown. I need to thank the community for that support and that willingness to be partners in this.” “I need to thank
themayor and council for funding this initiative and having the courage to take the risk.” MayorChris
Herald photo by Ian Martens
fromLethbridge and hadmost recently been a programmanager atWood’s Homes. “The drug crisis has impacted our
Watch teamleadsMarissa Hagglund and Ashley Dominato cross 5 Avenue South while patrolling the city’s downtown zone.
whole community,” saidHansen. “Iwant, asTheWatchmanager, a solid part of that, throughmy teamleaders and the many volunteers that are going to take part in this program, is reclaiming the city of Lethbridge. Anytime you have eyes on the street, it just gives people a sense of security.” TheWatch,modelled after similar
programs inWinnipeg andVancouver, is an initiative to enhance community safety downtown. Highly visible and easily recognizable
by their red coats and shirts,Watch patrollerswill be deployed seven days a week throughout the year andwill serve as eyes and ears to connect citizenswith the appropriate response frompolice, EMS or social and community services. Volunteerswill also provide directions,
first aid, tourist information and other assistance including a SafeWalk program. “Itwas very loud and clear fromthe
Spearman said council has provided $2.3 million in initiatives over the next two years, with options to continue beyond, including funding allocated forThe Watch, as away to work togetherwith
innovative plans. “We’ve had some significant challenges
in Lethbridge,” Spearman said. “We’ve heard citizens saying they’re concerned about their personal safety. Sowhatwe want to have ismore uniformpresence in the
downtown.TheChief has found a cost-effective,meaningfulway to address that, in addition to supplementing the work of the Lethbridge Police Service.” All volunteers are providedwith
comprehensive training including non- violent crisis intervention, and they are connected directly to LPS by radiowhile patrolling downtown Lethbridge in groups. As the programexpands, patrol areas
are anticipated to extend beyond downtown, says LPS Sgt.Mike Williamson,who is in charge of community engagement and development. “With thembeing extra eyes and ears,
it’s going to give our community a greater sense of safety,” he said. “It’s going to be a great community-police partnership as we go forward.”
Lethbridge Public Library
CONNECTING YOU TO IDEAS
Join us for our 100th Lethbridge Public Library
CONNECTING YOU TO IDEAS
Anniversary
celebrations on August 17. Watch
lethlib.ca for more details.
Need a Library card? Get a Library card!
Throughout 2019 the Lethbridge Public Library is excited to offer Library memberships at no fee.
Pick yours up today, and start exploring your Lethbridge Public Library!
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