BONNYVILLE – Town of Bonnyville Peace Officer Wanda Tomm is working to address proper reporting procedures, reminding residents what types of complaints should and should not be reported and where they can report to.
“People don't always know exactly where to go and it's not their fault. That's why I try to educate and clarify. If I wasn’t doing this job, I might be confused about it to,” said Tomm.
A statement posted by the Town of Bonnyville encourages residents to “ensure you are contacting the proper channels so that you get the results and information you need.”
There are three areas that complaints can be directed to - the Town of Bonnyville’s Protective Services Department where Tomm works, The MD of Bonnyville Public Safety Department, and the RCMP.
At the Town of Bonnyville Protective Services Department, Tomm deals with municipal bylaw infractions. Provincially, “Officer Tomm enforces the Animal Protection Act, Gaming, Liquour, and Cannabis Act, Provincial Administrative Penalties, Provincial Offences Procedure Act, and Traffic Safety Act,” according to information from the Town of Bonnyville.
Tomm does not deal with criminal complaints, civil complaints, or public works matters.
“For me, I'm strictly within town limits. So, my jurisdiction is anywhere within the Town of Bonnyville. Once I hit the MD, I don't have any jurisdiction,” says Tomm.
For similar infractions outside of Town limits, in the MD of Bonnyville, reports go to the MD of Bonnyville’s Public Safety Department.
According to the MD of Bonnyville, their Ward Beat Officers deal with traffic issues, snowmobile and ATV enforcement, unsightly properties, dangerous goods inspections, parking and traffic bylaws, commercial truck route enforcement, liquor offences, traffic collision liability reports, municipal campgrounds patrol, and dog control.
Tomm explains that there is often confusion between the MD Peace officers and herself because they look the same and deal with similar matters, but they do have separate jurisdictions.
The RCMP mostly deals with criminal matters.
“When I’m not working, RCMP does handle bylaws. So, if a dog is at large, and I’m not working, the RCMP has all that jurisdiction. They can do bylaw, provincial, and federal - whereas for me, I am strictly bylaw and provincial,” explained Tomm.
“I don't do any type of criminal investigation. I can assist them if they asked me to do traffic control or help them look for something, but I don't do the investigations,” said Tomm.
She explained that she does get the odd criminal complaint, and there can be added confusion when her jurisdiction overlaps with the RCMP. For example, if there is drug activity associated with an unsightly property.
Tomm explains that you have several options for reporting. You can fill out a complaint form at the front counter at Town Hall, online via the Town app, or phone Town Hall.
Necessary details required to file a complaint are: who is involved, what is happening, when it happened, where it’s happened, why did it happen/why are you reporting, and what it is you want regarding charges or warnings.
“These specific details are important reporting details to create an accurate picture of what is happening - what needs to be done - and allows for the creation of a physical file to proceed with investigation, charges and/or warnings,” according to the Town of Bonnyville.
