A Day in the Life of a Turner Valley RCMP Officer: Part One
We all see the RCMP in our area performing various functions, most likely on the side of the road with someone pulled over, lights flashing. But we know the RCMP do more than just traffic stops so I thought it might be relevant to pass along what a typical day is like for an RCMP Officer. This endeavor was enhanced when Staff Sgt. Akitt, head of the Turner Valley Detachment, asked if I wanted to come on a ride-along.
I said sure, and she scheduled me for a morning ride on March 12 with Constable Travis Scharff, a multi-year veteran of the force. First of all, there is no such thing as a typical day for an RCMP Officer. This became readily apparent with the initial sit-down in the office with Const. Scharff where he went over the situations we “could” get into on the ride-along. There was paperwork to fill out, sign, initial that detailed what was expected of me as a passenger. For instance, I could be called on to be a witness in court should I observe something from the passenger seat, and the fact I could be quickly dropped off back at the detachment or my residence should things get a little too hot for a civilian. I also needed to provide an emergency contact.
Preparation got ramped up a little bit when we got into the car and Const. Scharff showed me how to work the radio should he become incapacitated. I was shown THE button which, if pushed, would bring anybody and everybody to our location. He also showed me how to unlock both the shotgun and carbine located between and behind us.
As we pulled out of the detachment I was happy to see it was a nice sunny morning as this was prior to a big snow and I didn’t really relish the idea of attending a grisly traffic accident with severely injured occupants or even deceased due to poor road conditions. We travelled along Hwy 22, where traffic was light, and we got into a discussion of RCMP duties. In the HCRCWA we often ask people to call the police at 403.933.7227 during office hours so I asked Const. Scharff what office hours were. That information is confidential as well as when shift changes occur, however he assured that there would always be an officer available if you call. In addition, there is the RCMP complaints line at 403.933.4262 which is manned 24 hours.
The Turner Valley detachment is responsible for all the western part of Foothills County and the Maclean Creek recreation area. Adjacent detachments are Tsuu T’ina, Okotoks, High River, and Kananaskis.
As we cruised along 762, Const. Scharff stated that a lot of an officer’s time is spent doing just that: driving the jurisdiction with the dual intent of providing a presence and watching for traffic violations. The majority of his time is spent in the car. When they do get a call, he estimates 20% of the time is spent dealing with the call and 80% is spent on paperwork/ administration of that call. Of that 80% administrative work, it is split about 50/50 between the vehicle (there is a computer in a police vehicle) and at the detachment office. I had guessed administration would be about 50% of the time but Staff Sgt. Akitt confirmed that 80% sounds about right.
In the couple of hours we were in the car, surprisingly we covered a good cross section and majority of the jurisdiction travelling both the highways and some gravel roads. We stopped in at the Millarville Community School where Const. Scharff went in to talk to the Principal about furthering the Lockdown plan, and practice of that plan. As it turned out, the Principal was teaching so Const. Scharff left his card and the meeting would have to take place another day. Officers will also just talk to the kids now and then to get them familiar and comfortable with the police.
Since it is a relevant topic these days, I want to pass along Staff Sgt. Akitt’s assurances that in the event of a major disruption of society due to the coronavirus, there are contingency plans for the provision of law and order to continue in the Turner Valley Detachment area.
This HCRCWA topic will be published over two editions as it is impossible to get everything in one column. Part Two will address what other resources Turner Valley RCMP have access to, information on Break & Enters, and why the RCMP want you to call if you observe something.
Dave Schroeder
HCRCWA Board Member
