RCMP Annapolis County Detachment

The Annapolis County Detachment is situated in the heart of the Annapolis Valley and is comprised of RCMP offices in Middleton and Bridgetown. In addition to its main RCMP offices, the Detachment also provides services through an extended policing agreement at a community office in Cornwallis Park. Covering over 3,196 square kilometers, the Annapolis County Detachment has the distinction of covering the largest geographic area in the province.

Mandate

Using the Bridgetown office as its main working centre, the Annapolis County Detachment is home to 16 RCMP members, two traffic services members and one full-time Community Policing Coordinator. The Detachment also has four community volunteers trained to assist members on patrol as RCMP Auxiliary members. Highway enforcement services are augmented by members from the Annapolis Valley Traffic corridor.

In addition to a wide variety of community-based initiatives, the majority of police work in this area typically centres on Criminal Code investigations such as breaking & entering, theft, assault, fraud, domestic violence and drugs.

Community Programs

The RCMP in Annapolis County are committed to community-based policing and work in partnership with residents to address their needs. With this in mind, the Detachment offers the services of a civilian Seniors Safety Coordinator, Sharon Elliott (right), who works proactively to offer a variety of programs.

Annapolis County Detachment is proud to have developed and implemented the first Senior's Safety Program which has since been adopted by detachments across the country. Additional programs offered include:

A.C.C.P.A. (Annapolis County. Crime Prevention Association) - Working in cooperation with the Annapolis County Detachment, this group aims to decrease crime rates by proactively addressing associated issues in the community. The group holds regular meetings and sponsors a variety of projects.

Auxiliary Program - The detachment currently has four Auxiliary Constables trained in basic police duties. These volunteers serve their communities by supporting regular members in operational policing capacities, including community crime prevention and crowd control. Applicants for this program are welcome and can be made by contacting the Detachment directly.

Bear River and Area Action Committee - Established as a direct result ofcommunity concerns, this committee serves as a community consultation group aimed at developing crime prevention initiatives. This committee is a joint initiative with RCMP Digby Detachment.

Bully Hotline - This program offers our youth alternatives. Students being bullied or knowing of a victim are encouraged to contact us -- we’re here to listen. Those needing to talk can call us at 310-TALK (8255), a 24-hour call service dedicated to helping victims of bullying.

RCMP members and partners launch the CAT program in 2003

CAT (Combat Auto Theft) - Offered in partnership with CAA (Canadian Automobile Association), the CAT program was developed in response to concern over car thefts. CAT encourages car owners who normally don’t drive between 1:00 am and 5:00 am to place reflective stickers in the rear window of their automobile giving police consent to stop the car during those hours. The program also provides education for car owners on anti-theft practices. This program is a valley-wide initiative and is promoted by all area RCMP Detatchments, Kentville Police, Valley Traffic Services and RCMP Seniors Safety Programs.

Citizens on Patrol (Cornwallis and Annapolis Co.)

Community Assistance - The Detachment has two dedicated Community Assistance volunteers who provide services, assistance and support to persons who have been affected by crime or trauma. Their clients include primary and secondary victims, witnesses, surviving family members, and other persons likely to have been affected by the incident.

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) - This seventeen-week program teaches grade five students drug abuse and resistance strategies which emphasize awareness of peer pressure, avoiding violence and self-esteem issues.

M.A.D.D. (Annapolis Valley Chapter) - RCMP Annapolis County is proud to partner with the Annapolis Valley chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Joint projects include Project Red Ribbon, the Highway 101 project and a variety of youth-oriented education initiatives.

Neighbourhood Watch - The Neighbourhood Watch program is aimed at reducing crime in the community. Neighbours working together through Neighbourhood Watch can combat crime in their area through patrols. Community members may better recognize a stranger inside your yard or an unusual vehicle in your neighbourhood.

Restorative Justice Forums - These forums provide alternatives to youth in conflict with the law. The program focuses on holding the offender accountable, repairing harm caused by the offence, reintegrating the offender back into the community, and bringing a sense of healing to the community and victim. In Annapolis County Restorative Justice is facilitated by the Mayor of Bridgetown, Mr. Ron Gullon, who works as volunteer with our Detachment on this initiative.

Senior Safety Program - The Senior Safety Program is designed to provide information to senior citizens on personal safety and security in the home through community workshops and individual home visits. In Annapolis County this program is is managed by Sharon Elliott (665-4481).

Graduates of the Senior Computer class

Surfing Seniors Program - As part of our Senior Safety initiatives, this program teaches seniors computer skills. In addition to opening a whole new world to them, this service also gives us with an opportunity to provide Internet scam/fraud information.

Youth Criminal Justice Act Group - Formed to address concerns/issues related to youth in Annapolis County, this interagency committee is comprised of various Community agencies with direct involvement with this age group.

Youth Advisory Committee - A group of young people who meet several times a year to discuss concerns or policing issues from their viewpoint. This program fosters a positive relationship between the youth and police.