CHAT News File Photo

By Alex McCuaig

Don't want to use force

City police will focus on education when enforcing gathering restrictions

Nov 25, 2020 | 4:37 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The province might have the ability to pass public health restrictions with accompanying penalties ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 but it’s municipal police services that will be tasked with enforcing those measures.

Medicine Hat Police Service Insp. Brent Secondiak says officers will be focused on education as their primary enforcement strategy in dealing with those who would breach the swath of health directives announced on Tuesday.

That strategy will be primarily focused on ensuring outdoor events comply with the 10-person limit and there are no indoor social gatherings. But he adds there is concern among officers regarding having to use force to get compliance.

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“I hope that doesn’t happen. I’m really worried. I’ve seen videos in other places where there has been force used to enforce regulations,” said Secondiak. “That will not happen here. I’ve spoken to all the membership and again, it’s about safety. These are health orders, not law enforcement orders. But our job is to keep the public safe.”

Regarding the possibility of public protests in the city regarding the enhanced public health restrictions or the possibility of a municipal mask bylaw, Secondiak says that would put police in an awkward situation.

“Because people have the fundamental right to protest and state their views. It’s not our role to impede upon that in any way,” said Secondiak. “But we would speak to any groups that were breaching the orders, talk to them and hopefully gain their compliance through conversation, education. If that was wasn’t effective then, yes, we would lay a charge but that is not our intent.”

Secondiak says while city police will be focused on orders surround gatherings, Alberta Health Services will be primarily tasked with dealing with those affecting businesses.

City police have yet to issue any fines related to public health orders.