Pincher Creek Welcomes Robyn Potter as New Community Peace Officer

A significant change in community safety is underway in the Municipal District (MD) of Pincher Creek with the appointment of its first dedicated community peace officer, Robyn Potter. She officially began her role on July 2, 2023, bringing a focus on road safety, traffic enforcement, and public education.

Under the authority granted by Alberta’s Peace Officer Act, Potter is empowered to enforce various provincial statutes. These include the Traffic Safety Act, Animal Protection Act, Dangerous Dogs Act, Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, Trespass to Premises Act, and the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act. Her background in law enforcement, combined with her local roots, positions her well for this role.

Local Roots and Professional Experience

Potter’s connection to the community is profound; she was born and raised in the MD of Pincher Creek and grew up on a farm just outside the town. “It’s great to be back in my hometown and closer to family,” she shared in an interview. With a diploma in criminal justice and completion of the Community Peace Officer Induction Program, Potter holds a Level 1 CPO designation in Alberta. Her training encompasses various crucial areas, including radar and lidar usage, cargo securement, and emergency management.

Before her appointment, Potter gained nearly four years of experience as a correctional peace officer at the Medicine Hat and Edmonton remand centres. She also served as a community peace officer for the County of Stettler. Now, her responsibilities extend across municipally owned roads, provincial highways, and several hamlets within the MD—covering areas from Pincher Station and Lundbreck to Beaver Mines, Twin Butte, and Castle Mountain.

Focus on Community Safety and Engagement

Potter emphasized that road safety will be a major aspect of her duties. She plans to address crucial issues such as speeding, intersection violations, distracted driving, and seatbelt compliance. “I am also responsible for monitoring the movement of commercial vehicles, ensuring compliance with regulations around weight, dimensions, and road bans,” she explained.

Equipped with fully marked patrol vehicles, Potter and her team are trained to respond to emergencies using lights and sirens when necessary. While enforcement is essential, she believes community engagement is equally important. “As a CPO, balancing enforcement with community engagement is at the heart of what I do,” she stated. Potter intends to be a regular presence at town hall meetings, schools, and public events to foster relationships and dialogue within the community.

“Building relationships and being part of the community is an essential part of what we do,” she added. “A conversation can often prevent future infractions better than a ticket can.” She aims to be perceived not just as an enforcement figure but as someone genuinely invested in the community’s safety and well-being.

Collaboration with other agencies is also a priority for Potter. “While community peace officers have authority to enforce only what is within their appointments, we often work alongside the RCMP and other agencies,” she noted. This collaboration enhances the effectiveness of their response to community needs.

Reeve Rick Lemire expressed optimism about Potter’s role, stating, “We’ve had a lot of good comments from residents saying it’s nice to see her there. Problems that we’ve been dealing with are now being addressed.” He highlighted that previously, the MD had only participated in a police enhancement program that focused on criminal offenses but did not cover bylaw enforcement.

With her arrival, the MD now has a community peace officer capable of handling bylaw enforcement, including issuing speeding tickets and addressing other violations. “For criminal matters, we still need the RCMP,” Lemire clarified, but added that Potter’s collaboration with other agencies is already yielding positive results.

As she settles into her new role, Potter identifies community education as a primary challenge. “Educating ratepayers on MD bylaws and the authorities of a community peace officer will be my main focus for now,” she stated.

Residents will have the opportunity to meet Potter at an open house hosted by the MD on October 6, 2023, from 18:00 to 20:00 in council chambers at the MD building. During this event, she will discuss bylaws, enforcement services, and community safety.

Potter encouraged residents to reach out to the enforcement services department at 403-904-8007 with any complaints, questions, or concerns. As she begins this important work, her commitment to fostering a safer, more connected community stands at the forefront of her mission.