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RCMP News Release

Red Deer RCMP drive up safety with Downtown Patrol Unit

September 12, 2023 8:33 AM

Red Deer, Alta., - Red Deer RCMP Downtown Patrol Unit (DPU) is an integral specialized unit dedicated to the downtown core.

Red Deer’s DPU is unique and provides highly visible street presence in the city core, while creating connections with citizens, business owners, and social service agencies.

Anyone who has travelled through the downtown has likely seen members of DPU on foot, riding bi-cycles and Segway’s, and driving police vehicles.

As part of the Red Deer RCMP downtown initiative, members of DPU have created solid relationships and support the safety of business owners and patrons. 

Police BikeDPU has been out making patrols before the downtown businesses are awake. On average 60 percent of DPU files are a result of proactive policing; meaning files are generated from police-initiated client interactions.  Such interactions include enforcing infractions, providing support, and making referrals to vulnerable populations. 

Cst. Geiger has met with various downtown businesses in the last few weeks who have expressed their gratitude for the work done by DPU.

Businesses have conveyed that without the Downtown Patrol Unit, their business would not be able to function. Clients are afraid of people that linger in the downtown core, and the DPU does an effective job in making their clients and patrons feel safe.

With the assistance of our Senior Management Team, Traffic Services, Domestic Violence Unit, and Youth Community Action Team, Red Deer RCMP increased our overt presence downtown over the last few months.

We engaged with the citizens of Red Deer, and were acknowledged by residents for the work we continue to do.

Our Downtown Patrol Unit has had a tremendously positive impact in the downtown. Job well done by our Red Deer RCMP detachment!

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