What 16 Years as a Community Peace Officer Taught Me About Building Safer Communities.

For the past 16 years, I have had the privilege of working as a Community Peace Officer at the University of Alberta. The U of A is a vibrant community of over 50,000 students, faculty, and staff. Like any community of this size, we face our share of challenges: thefts, break-ins, traffic concerns, and even assaults. Each situation is unique and must be handled with care and respect for the individuals involved.

Economic downturns often bring an uptick in crime. Like all communities, we’ve grappled with mental health struggles during COVID and ongoing battles with addiction.

Over the last decade and a half, these challenges have forced us to rethink and adapt our approach to community safety. In 2011, I launched a Community Liaison Officer pilot program at the University of Alberta, focused on building genuine relationships with staff, students and faculty. I made a point to introduce myself to as many people as possible across campus. My goal was simple: to build trust and familiarity, so that when issues came up, people felt comfortable reaching out for help.

This early approach to community-focused engagement taught me that enforcement alone is not enough. Even with the dedication of law enforcement, lasting solutions require collaboration with health and social service agencies.

As I've learned over the years, "Enforcement alone isn't enough. Real safety comes from connection, trust, and compassion."

By working together, we can support everyone involved and help prevent repeat incidents. That’s why I championed the creation of the Community Assistance Team—a team that goes beyond enforcement by connecting individuals facing addiction, mental health challenges, and homelessness with community partners and resources.

We’re proud to work alongside amazing organizations like The Mustard Seed and Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, helping people access the support they need to build better lives.

My commitment to a community-based, outcome-focused approach extends beyond the University into our broader community as well. I was a proud volunteer with Parents Empowering Parents, an organization that supports families affected by substance use and addiction. I currently serve as Vice Chair of the Youth Justice Committee, which gives young offenders the chance to acknowledge and repair the harm they’ve caused—fostering healing for both victims and the broader community.

I want to bring these proven, community-centered strategies to Council, to address the challenges that matter most to my neighbours and friends in Strathcona County. We need an approach that isn’t stuck in the past, but one that looks boldly to the future—focused on collaboration, compassion, and real results.

Together, we can build a safer, healthier, and more connected community for everyone.