Medicine Hat Police run a check stop in the summer of 2018 -CHAT News File Photo

By Charles Lefebvre

Provincial funding for police check stops frozen

Dec 19, 2019 | 5:35 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The Medicine Hat Police Service is now shouldering the costs of running check stop programs this holiday season.

Previously, police services across the province would receive funding from the province to help cover costs for overtime for officers to work the check stops.

However, the funding from the province was frozen during this year’s provincial budget, meaning police services now have to bear the costs of providing overtime for officers.

“It’s an important time of year for us, and it’s important that we keep our roads safe, so we’re moving ahead,” said Police Chief Andy McGrogan.

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Currently, police are paying two members to work overtime to help the traffic unit members already working in the evening to help run the check stops.

The first one this season took place November 29, and saw 45 vehicles stopped and checked. Four impaired driving charges were laid during the stop, according to the report from the Police Commission.

McGrogan says he hopes the freeze from the province is only temporary.

“It’s been a very strong initiative for the province,” he said. “We’re hoping this is a temporary measure. I know they’re trying to be fiscally responsible, but so are we, so we’re just trying to find the balance, and we do hope they continue to fund them. It’s a very important road safety initiative.”

Police will be conducting check stops at least three more times this holiday season.