Red Deer RCMP recognized for work with young offenders with FASD

News Release from Red Deer RCMP

Red Deer RCMP receive 2021 FASD Champion Award

Members of the Red Deer RCMP’s Community Policing unit were honoured with the Central Alberta FASD Network’s 2021 FASD Champion Award last month.

Each year, the Central Alberta FASD Network recognizes a member of the community for their efforts to support and strengthen the FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) community. The FASD Network board, our employees and their clients nominate a person or organization that has made a significant impact on the FASD community.

“The team in Community Policing were unanimously chosen as the winner thanks to the incredible work they are doing and the impact they’re making in Youth Restorative Justice,” says Julie Nanson-Ashton, Executive Director. “Through this program, the officers divert youth who are involved in the Criminal Justice System to our network, where we can then assess, diagnose and provide support to youth with FASD through our Youth Restorative Practices Intervention Program/FASD Diversion Program.”

Since its launch in 2020, this intensive and preventative program has successfully reduced the negative impact the justice system has on the individual, as well as reduces the youth’s criminal activities in our community. By connecting these youth with the FASD Network, we are able to provide outreach services, supports and mentorship for not only the individuals, but their partners and caregivers. We work to address their underlying risk factors, creating better long-term outcomes for individuals impacted by FASD and their family.

“We are very thankful to be recognized for this award,” says Cst. Francois Nadeau with Red Deer RCMP’s Community Policing unit. “We recognize that FASD is the single biggest risk factor for youth crime and recidivism in Red Deer. That’s why partnering with the FASD Network is so effective at diverting young offenders away from the criminal justice system. By supporting them with the skills and tools available in Red Deer, these youth are better enabled to build healthy, productive habits and much less likely to be involved with drugs, gangs and crime.”

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is a lifelong disability. Individuals with FASD will experience some degree of challenges in their daily living, and need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation, and social skills to reach their full potential. Each individual with FASD is unique and has areas of both strengths and challenges.

Related Topics:#CentralAlbertaFASDNetwork #FASDChampionAward #FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorder #reddeerrcmp

Up Next

The Lending Cupboard staff announces hours for the holiday season

Don't Miss

Grant’s story: Amazing Improvement with Hard Work & Support

Todayville

Todayville is a digital media and technology company. We profile unique stories and events in our community. Register and promote your community event for free.

Follow Author

‘Shocking cover-up’: DOJ lawyers committed fraud in vaccine injury case, CHD attorney alleges in motion

espionage / 9 hours ago

Conservative MP testifies that foreign agents could effectively elect Canada’s prime minister, premiers

Health / 9 hours ago

Quadriplegic man dies via euthanasia after developing bed sores waiting at Quebec hospital

Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team

Stolen handgun seized during Red Deer drug arrests

Published on April 10, 2024

Todayville

News release from the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT)

ALERT seized a loaded handgun during the arrest of suspected drug dealers in Red Deer. The handgun, which had previously been reported as stolen, was seized alongside cocaine, fentanyl, and other prohibited items.

The seizure took place on April 4, 2024 when ALERT’s Integrated Gang Enforcement Team observed a suspected drug transaction involving two vehicles in a parking lot along Gaetz Avenue. Two vehicles were pulled over and the five occupants were arrested.

One of the suspected drug dealers was found carrying the loaded handgun tucked into his waistband. The handgun was determined to have previously been reported as stolen from the Edmonton area.

“Although gang-related violence may seem specifically targeted to those involved in organized criminality; the negative impact of this victimization is far more reaching and effects all Albertans. The solution lays within the integrated approach of our ALERT teams to suppress, disrupt and dismantle organized crime,” said Insp. Angela Kemp, ALERT Edmonton.

The full search of both vehicles resulted in ALERT seizing the following items:

Loaded, stolen handgun;
45 grams of cocaine;
2 grams of fentanyl;
3 fentanyl patches;
GPS tracking device;
Portable hacking device;
Brass knuckles;
Gloves and balaclavas; and
$5,100 cash.

The handgun will be submitted for further analysis and examination by ALERT’s Provincial Firearms Solutions Lab.

The five suspects arrested face a combined 25 charges related to drug, firearms, and weapons offences:

Makenzie Giles, 27-year-old from Red Deer;
Martin Heathen, 30-year-old from Onion Lake, Sask.;
Jordan McMartin, 22-year-old from Red Deer;
Ethan Frenette, 21-year-old from Red Deer; and
Madison Halvorson, 23-year-old from Red Deer.

McMartin was also found to be wanted on several warrants in relation to offences in the Red Deer area.

Anyone with information about this investigation, or who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.

Alberta

Update: Rimbey RCMP say missing family has been found and all are safe

Published on April 10, 2024

Todayville

Israel Mani (upper left), Samuel Mani (right), and Gabriel Mani (lower left)

Rimbey RCMP report that all 6 members of the Mani family have been located safe. We would like to thank the public and media for your assistance.

Please advised that due to privacy concerns RCMP are unable to comment on where the family members were located.

—

From April 9

News release from Rimbey RCMP

Rimbey RCMP request the public’s assistance with locating the Mani family. The family of six consisting of 39-year-old Winnie, 24-year-old Liliane, 18-year-old Debra, 15-year-old Israel, 14-year-old Samuel and 13-year-old Gabriel were last living in the area of Meridian Beach in Ponoka County.

Winnie last spoke with family over the phone on April 3, 2024, though the whereabouts of her and that of her children hasn’t been confirmed since mid March 2024.

On March 28, 2024, the Calgary Police Service notified the Rimbey RCMP of a 2013 Black Dodge Durango, registered to Winnie Mani was located March 24, 2024. The vehicle was abandoned in a private parking lot in south east Calgary near the Bow Habitat Station.

Rimbey RCMP are concerned for the families well-being and are asking for the public’s assistance. RCMP believe that the Mani’s may be in southern British Columbia.

If you have been in contact with the Mani family, or have information on their whereabouts, please contact the please contact Rimbey RCMP at 403-843-2224. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.