Community Peace Officer

Community Peace Officers (CPOs) play a vital role in enhancing public safety within local municipalities across Alberta.  While CPOs are employed by the municipality, they operate under the authority of the Peace Officer Act and the Public Security Peace Officer Program.  CPOs have the authority to enforce specific Provincial Statutes throughout the municipality, including:

• Traffic Safety Act & Regulations
• Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Act
• Animal Protection Act
• Dangerous Dogs Act
• Trespass to Premises Act

CPOs work in their communities to provide proactive public safety enforcement and educational services.  CPOs operate fully marked patrol vehicles and are readily identifiable as Peace Officers,  wearing full uniform, tools and equipment that are necessary to conduct their enforcement activities both professionally and safely.  They have the authority to respond with lights and sirens to emergency situations and to enforce traffic violations within the municipality.
 
CPOs must meet a high standard of training, recertification and professional development throughout their careers to help ensure that they can provide an effective, professional and community-based response to deal with regulatory and enforcement-related issues within the municipality.  They regularly work in collaboration with partner law enforcement agencies including RCMP, Alberta Sheriffs, Fish & Wildlife and other municipal CPO agencies, in an effort to provide an enhanced level of municipal law enforcement services within local communities. 

Where Does the MD Pincher Creek CPO Have Authority?

The CPO has authority throughout the MD of Pincher Creek:

• On all locally owned / maintained roads /  highways;
• On all provincial highways;
• In the following Hamlets:  Pincher Station, Lundbreck, Beaver Mines, Twin Butte, Castle Mountain

Traffic Enforcement

Traffic enforcement patrols and initiatives are prioritized and delivered with the goal of enhancing public safety on all roads and highways within the municipality.  CPOs provide traffic enforcement services that align with and address complaints received and the municipality’s Traffic Safety Plan in concert with the Office of Traffic Safety Enforcement Calendar, which can be viewed at:
 
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/trans-alberta-traffic-safety-calendar-8.5x11.pdf

A few examples of the priority issues identified in the Alberta Traffic Safety Calendar include:

• Speeding
• Intersection safety
• Distracted driving
• Motorcycle safety
• Back to school
• Occupant restraints

Commercial Vehicle Enforcement

The CPO will provide enforcement services related to the movement of commercial vehicles throughout the municipality, with a focus on those roads owned and maintained by the municipality.  These duties include:

• Weights and dimensions enforcement
  • CPO patrol vehicles are equipped with portable scales
•  Road ban enforcement
  • Enforcement of road bans is a priority – particularly during the spring road ban season in an effort to protect local infrastructure

Commercial Vehicle Overweight / Over-Dimensional Permits

Provincial Heavy Haul Permits

• Contact Road Data Services – 1-888-444-9288

Provincial Service Rig Permits

• Contact Road Data Services – 1-888-830-7623

Municipal Road Use Agreements

• Contact Public Works  403-627-3130

Passing Emergency Vehicles with Lights Activated

In addition to their traffic enforcement duties and authorities, CPOs frequently assist other first responder agencies, including police, sheriffs, EMS and fire departments at emergency scenes that occur within the municipality. 
 
Alberta’s traffic laws require all motorists to reduce their speed to 60 km/h (or slower if the limit is less) in the adjacent lane when passing emergency vehicles or tow trucks with their lights on.  Move over one lane, if possible, and give them room to work safely.  Fines double when drivers speed past an emergency vehicle or tow truck with their lights flashing.

Community Engagement

Working with and being a part of the community is a key focus for the Enforcement Services Department.  CPOs / BEOs regularly participate in town hall meetings, visiting schools, participating in community parades, bike rodeos or other community-based events.  Let us know if you have an upcoming event that our CPO / BEO can assist with or participate in!