$1.5 million to support crime prevention

Thirty-eight Alberta community projects received over $1.5 million in January from the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS) to support local projects addressing the root causes of crime. The projects are designed to strengthen community networks, identify and develop crime prevention measures, and help individuals deal with problems like violence and drug and alcohol abuse. Since its launch in 1998, the NCPS has supported 220 projects in Alberta. The NCPS’s Community Mobilization Program is jointly administered by the federal and provincial governments.

Pawnshop electronic tracking system considered

Alberta Solicitor General is considering legislation that would create a standardized electronic tracking system to identify stolen goods found in pawnshops and second-hand stores. The Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP) suggested the legislation after bringing their concerns to the Solicitor General. According to the AACP, police seized about $2 million worth of stolen property from Edmonton and Calgary pawnshops in 2001.

Cameron named as new CISA director

Ian Cameron

Insp. Ian Cameron of the Lethbridge Police Service is the new head of the Criminal Intelligence Service of Alberta (CISA). The 24-year police veteran assumes the director’s position in April replacing Insp. Brian Skeet who returns to the Calgary Police Service. CISA is a partnership with the Alberta Solicitor General and five police agencies to facilitate the sharing of intelligence information to combat organized crime.

First MEP director passes away at 67

Gerry Leibel

Gerry Leibel, the man who helped launch Alberta’s Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP), passed away from cancer on December 28, 2002. He was 67. As MEP’s first director between 1985-1997, Gerry helped build Alberta’s program into one of the best in the country. “He was known right across Canada for what he was able to accomplish,” said Ian Hope, Senior Advisor for Staff Development at MEP. “He became maintenance enforcement in Alberta." Gerry was very family-oriented. "He always put family first,” added Ron Behnke, who worked as one of Gerry’s managers in the program’s early years. “He was very interested in being in a position where he could do something for children.” Gerry will be remembered as a straightforward and genuine man who leapt into everything he did. “No one ever forgot their time working with him,” said Behnke. He is survived by his wife Louise, his children Brent, Bradford and Margo, and seven grandchildren.

$1.1 million supports victims of crime groups

Forty-one organizations helping victims of crime received more than a million dollars in funding from the Alberta Solicitor General earlier this year. The $1.1 million in grants through the Victims of Crime Fund went to organizations assisting victims of crime and other tragedies. The grants are funded exclusively by federal and provincial fine surcharges. The $1.1 million awarded is in addition to $768,970 already provided in 2002-03. The total annual funding provided to victims organizations through the Victims of Crime Fund has steadily increased over the past five years. Between 1997 and 2002, total annual grants increased from $700,000 to $1.9 million.

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