Ponoka invites applications for new Municipal Policing Committee

PONOKA -- Ponoka residents are being invited to apply for a role on the Town's newly established Municipal Policing Committee.

The new committee was created after the township was granted an exemption from the province to allow them to carry on with a municipal committee as opposed to joining a regional committee instead. It replaces the former Police Advisory Committee and will assume various roles, including the development of a community safety plan and establishing policing priorities for the community.

According to the Town of Ponoka, the new Municipal Policing Committee was established in compliance with amendments to the Alberta Police Act and regulations. It will perform its duties alongside Ponoka Town Council, the Ponoka RCMP Detachment's Officer in Charge, and Ponoka staff.

Its duties will include overseeing the administration of the municipal police service agreement, representing the interests and concerns of the public, and developing a yearly plan of priorities and strategies for municipal policing. In addition, the committee will develop a community safety plan -- including a plan for collaboration between the community and community agencies -- and report annually on the implementation of and updates to programs and services to achieve the priorities of the police service.

To be considered for membership on the Municipal Policing Committee, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Passionate about public service and safety
• Not be employed by any police or justice-related agency
• Be available to attend 4-8 committee meetings throughout the calendar year, with a duration of one to two hours per meeting
• Pass an enhanced security check, including a criminal record and vulnerable sector check
• Take an oath as set out in the Police Act

Applications are available online at https://www.ponoka.ca/p/council-appointed-boards-committees and paper copies are also available at the Town Office located at #200, 5604 – 50 Street, Ponoka. The deadline to submit applications is set for Wednesday, April 8, at 4:00 p.m. Members will be appointed for two and three-year terms.