'There's a lot of passion': Regina Board of Police Commissioners host community engagement town halls
A string of town hall events, hosted by the Regina Board of Police Commissioners, are giving citizens in different neighbourhoods an opportunity to bring forward major concerns.
On April 28, the board hosted its first event in the core neighbourhoods and it’s second on Tuesday in The Greens.
“We see the crime stats, we know the level of reporting and the severity of the crimes differs across the community,” said Mayor Sandra Masters. “To really understand from the community’s perspective and what they could use to feel safer.”
Masters said some issues affecting the core areas are much different than those seen in other parts of the city. But there are common concerns throughout the city.
“Issues like lighting, transit, community programming are all things the community is looking for,” she said.
At the Tuesday night town hall, residents of The Greens brought up traffic related issues such as speeding, racing and stunting as being among their most crucial concerns.
Regina Police Chief Evan Bray said while the Regina Police Service (RPS) sees complaints, the feelings in the community are better felt in a setting like a town hall.
“You don’t get passion in an email unless it’s in all caps,” he said. “Here, you can hear how it’s affecting people. Whether loud mufflers or being worried about children crossing an intersection going to school. There’s a lot of passion in what people are saying.”
This is the first time the Board of Police Commissioners has conducted town halls, as a way to plan and strategize how the RPS can better serve the community.
“We’re meeting with you one-on-one. You know who we are,” said Ward 3 City Councillor Andrew Stevens during the event.
“There’s a certain amount of accountability and responsiveness and we can set those standards through this process.”
“It’s a chance for the public to engage directly with the commission as the governing body of the RPS,” said Masters. “It’s important to hear that first-hand.”
More town halls are being planned around the city. The city urges the public to visit its website to learn more about future events.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.