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Brittani Schroeder.
EDITOR’S
A look at law enforcement recruitment challenges
We’ve just about made it through another year— can you believe it? Somehow, January through October raced by, and now we’re left with a little over a month before 2024 makes its grand entrance. I’ve had the honour of meeting so many members of law enforcement throughout 2023, at events, police departments and out in the community, and I can’t wait to meet more of you in the near future.
In October, I co-hosted the firstever Career Expo West, where Blue Line’s Security • Police • Fire Career Expo ventured to Calgary, Alta. The event was a great success and it had me thinking about why these events are so important for the emergency services industry.
these moves make policing more accessible to a wider range of the greater population.
It is a promising sign that recruitment challenges are being considered at the provincial level, and not just municipally.
The law enforcement industry has faced significant challenges for several years when it comes to recruitment.
Law enforcement has faced significant challenges for several years when it comes to recruitment. The ever-changing public perception of police officers has taken a turn for the worse in recent years, which has not been helped by events taking place in the United States. In a recent conversation with Chief Mike Callaghan of the Belleville Police Service, he said, “Whether we’d like to admit it or not, we’re heavily influenced by U.S. media and culture. I know that when we’ve done outreach programs to try to encourage members to apply to the police, they said ‘You could not pay me enough to do that job. Why would I want to be under constant scrutiny and judgement? It’s not worth it.’ So, police services have that to contend with.”
In April, the Ontario government made two significant changes in the hopes of drawing more people to a career in law enforcement. It was announced that basic constable training tuition fees at the Ontario Police College would be removed, and that the requirement for post-secondary education was also eliminated. Both of
It’s important to remember while revamping recruitment campaigns to get out into the community, attend events and be visible to potential applicants; start speaking with people about the job and what it entails. I think that’s why events like the Security • Police • Fire Career Expo are so important: any attendee can learn from those who are already in the industry about what they can expect, and they can see for themselves who is looking to hire. There are dedicated mentoring sessions where one-on-one conversations can be had, and mock interview sessions to get an understanding of what is being looked for.
In 2024, we’re bringing the Security • Police • Fire Career Expo to three locations, so emergency service organizations can reach more people. In March, we will return to Mississauga, in May we will move to Vancouver, and in October we will host the event in Edmonton.
New recruits can come from anywhere—a recent graduate, or someone who is looking for a career change and wants to serve their community. Making the connection with them is just the first step.
As we head into 2024, I wish you all the best in your recruitment efforts. Always keep in mind that if there is a topic that you think we should be talking about, please reach out to me at any time (bschroeder@ annexbusienssmedia.com).
Until next time, happy reading, happy holidays and be well.
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ALBERTA Career Expo West expands horizons for emergency services professionals
After years of success in the Greater Toronto Area, the Security · Police · Fire Career Expo made its first foray out of Ontario. Though it was a cold, snowy day, on Oct. 24, industry experts from emergency services arrived at The Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre in Alberta bright and early to discover prospective talent for recruitment at the inaugural Career Expo West.
This day wouldn’t have been possible without the help of our sponsors. Thank you to Commissionaires, Lakeland College, Edmonton Police Service, and NicheRMS365. Another thank you goes out to our industry partners, Calgary Police Service.
Humming with energy from both exhibitors and attendees, the event garnered over 225 pre-registrations and saw over 340 people in the room. Exhibitors were visited by a wide demographic of attendees—from students about to graduate, to experienced professionals looking for a career change.
The morning featured a mock interview session with the event’s mentors. Over 35 eager attendees were able to test their interviewing skills over the span of two hours. In the afternoon, attendees were given the opportunity to speak with the event’s mentors to ask them questions.
The show also featured a variety of emergency response vehicles on display.
The event ended at 3 p.m., with attendees and exhibitors departing with smiles on their faces. “I have attended the same event in Ontario the past two years, and it is Canada’s best career expo for anyone interested in a career as a police officer, peace officer, firefighter, security officer, or in emergency services,” said Cst. Brennan Martin, recruiting unit, Calgary Police Service.
Keep an eye out for details on our three 2024 career expos: March 27 in Mississauga, Ont., May 16 in Vancouver, B.C., and Oct. 29 in Edmonton, Atla.!
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Mountie cycles more than 300 kilometers to honour fallen members
Chilliwack RCMP’s Cst. Marie-Michelle Page recently returned from a meaningful journey as part of the British Columbia Law Enforcement Memorial (BCLEM) Ride to Remember.
The fifth annual BCLEM Ride to Remember was a three-day event that started in Burnaby to commemorate Cst. Shaelyn Yang who was tragically killed while on duty on October 19, 2022, and ended in Victoria, where the BCLEM took place at the British Columbia Legislature Bastion. Cst. Page and the rest of the Ride to Remember team cycled more than 385 kilometres in three days, finishing at the B.C. Legislature. The British Columbia event coincides with the National Police and Peace Officer’s Memorial held in Ottawa every September.
Cst. Page has committed to cycling alongside fellow law enforcement officers from diverse B.C. law enforcement agencies and supporters for the past four years. Participating in the BCLEM Ride to Remember is an honour and a way for her to pay her respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, especially considering all of those who paid with their lives over the last year in Canada.
“The tragic news of Constable O’Brien who was fatally shot in Coquitlam while on duty, pushed us to keep going, to remember the fallen,” said Cst. Page. “It also serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting the families left behind. I am deeply grateful for the
opportunity to be part of this meaningful event and am already planning on training for next year.”
ONTARIO
Sarnia Police Service partners with Lambton College to launch community crime unit
A new partnership between the Sarnia Police Service and Lambton College will see students assisting with low-level crimes in the community. The new collaboration will provide opportunities for students enrolled in Lambton’s Criminal Justice programs to work closely with the Sarnia Police Service as part of a newly established Community Crime Unit. The unit will be led by a dedicated constable hired by the Sarnia Police Service to supervise and mentor students as they gain real life exposure to investigations and aspects of crime analysis within the community.
Students selected to work in the new unit will receive first-hand training when it comes to supporting victims of crimes and safeguarding the community, while also gaining an understanding of the factors that can contribute to the crimes being committed. Under the direction of trained professionals, students will also work towards reducing victimization in the community, including the critical piece of connecting community members to outreach supports and services.
All students selected to participate in the Community Crime Unit will be expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, including swearing an Oath of Secrecy to protect the confidentiality of community members, and undergoing rigorous training to ensure their own safety as well as the safety of local citizens.
Stay tuned for Blue Line’s full interview with Sarnia Police Service and Lambton College in an upcoming print issue!
PHOTO CREDIT: BRITTANI SCHROEDER
PHOTO CREDIT: LAMBTON COLLEGE
DISPATCHES CALENDAR
It is with great sadness that the Ontario Provincial Police announced the death of Det. Cst. Steven Tourangeau, 35, of the OPP’s Huron-Perth Community Street Crime Unit in May. Tourangeau was known for always having a smile on his face and excelling at every challenge life would throw at him. “We are deeply saddened over this tragic incident, as two families mourn the loss of their loved ones. I offer my deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues affected,” said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique.
On Sep. 5, Cst. Orrette Robinson of the Sault Ste. Marie Police died in an off-duty motor vehicle collision. Robinson was 36 years old. Prior to joining the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, Orrette spent nine years as an officer with the Jamaica Constabulary Force. “Our hearts are heavy. Orrette served our community with pride and dedication. He was sworn in as an officer in August 2021 after being the first Sault Ste. Marie Police Service member to be named class valedictorian at the Ontario Police College. Our hearts and support go to his family, friends, and colleagues. Orrette will be missed,” says Chief Hugh Stevenson.
It is with profound sadness that the B.C. RCMP announced the on-duty death of a Ridge Meadows member, Cst. Rick (Frederick) O’Brien on Sep. 22. O’Brien was 51 years old, with a wife and children. He was born in Ottawa, and joined the RCMP in 2016. All of his service with the RCMP was at Ridge Meadows Detachment as a frontline officer and in community policing. O’Brien led by example, and had a great sense of humour. He was well respected by his peers and the community.
With heavy hearts, Hamilton Police Service shared news of the death of Cst. Greg Mills on Sep. 27. He had a 20-year career in Hamilton, and worked in frontline patrol, the mounted unit, and the criminal investigations branch. “We are shocked and saddened by this tragedy and are all thinking of Greg and
his family during this time,” the Hamilton Police Association said in a statement. Association President Jaimi Bannon described Mills as “super generous” and “always willing to help out.”
The Abbotsford Police Board has selected Colin Watson as the new Chief Constable of the Abbotsford Police Department. Watson assumes the role from retiring Chief Constable Mike Serr on Nov. 15. Previously, Colin served as Deputy Chief Constable with the Victoria Police Department where he spent over 26 years. He brings with him an impressive background of policing expertise, including a comprehensive and unique range of leadership, management, and supervisory experience, both operationally and administratively. “I am excited to meet the AbbyPD staff, connect with the community, and build on the policing excellence already in place in Abbotsford,” said Chief Designate Watson.
Niagara Regional Police Service’s Chief Bryan MacCulloch has announced his retirement, effective Feb. 1, 2024. He has dedicated over 39 years to the policing profession and was first appointed Chief in 2017. Chief MacCulloch began his policing career with the Niagara Regional Police Service in 1984. Chief MacCulloch stated, “It’s truly been an honour to serve as the ninth Chief of Police in the history of the Niagara Regional Police Service, and I thank the Police Services Board for having the trust and confidence in me to lead the men and women of this great police service.”
Cameron McBride has been appointed to the rank of Deputy Chief at the Saskatoon Police Service. He is a 26-year member of the service, and will now serve as the Deputy Chief of Operations. In January 1997, McBride was hired by the Saskatoon Police Service and spent his first several years in patrol. Since then, he has worked in traffic, the forensic identification unit, human resources division and was a long-time member of the explosive disposal unit (EDU). With a passion for the EDU, he assisted in creating standardized
16th Annual Chief’s Gala
Date: Nov. 16, 2023
Location: Toronto, Ont. chiefsgala.com
Anti-Corruption Symposium Calgary
Date: Nov. 20 – 21, 2023
Location: Calgary, Alta. acsc.cpsevents.ca
BCACP/CACP Police Leadership Conference
Date: Jan. 21 – 23, 2024
Location: Vancouver, B.C. cacp.ca
Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police 2024 AWIP ON Conference Date: Feb. 13 – 16, 2023
Location: Mississauga, Ont. oacp.ca
Find more calendar events online at blueline.ca/events
bomb threat protocols for the public school division in 2015, and provided training to administrators.
Deputy Chief Brett Flynn of the Niagara Regional Police Service will retire as of Feb. 1, 2024. He has devoted over 33 years of distinguished service to the NRPS. Deputy Chief Flynn currently leads the Operational Services functions of the Niagara Regional Police Service. In that role, he is responsible for all frontline policing, and oversees district operations – central, western and eastern regions, and emergency and investigative services. This includes canine, marine, explosives disposal, crisis negotiations, traffic management and road safety, major crime, special investigative services and special victims.
Ontario Provincial Police Deputy Commissioner Rose DiMarco has officially retired after 33 years of dedicated service. “Her exceptional contributions and outstanding leadership have elevated the OPP and policing as a whole. Thank you for your unwavering commitment,” said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique.
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CASE LAW
BY MIKE NOVAKOWSKI
No reasonable expectation of privacy in motel guest’s name and number
Alberta’s top court has found that a guest at a motel did not have an objectively reasonable expectation of privacy when his name and phone number were provided to police, upon request, by the manager.
In R. v. Neumann, 2023 ABCA 200, Winnipeg Police received information from a confidential informer that an unknown man in a red truck with an Alberta licence plate would be bringing methamphetamine from Alberta to a hotel in Manitoba. The police set up surveillance at the motel and observed a red Ford F-350 truck with an Alberta licence plate arrive. A man entered the motel and returned to the truck a short time later, then driving it to a gas station. A large grey truck parked next to the red truck and police saw a quick hand-to-hand transfer of a brown satchel from the driver of the red truck to the driver of the grey truck, an exchange that was “consistent with” drug trafficking. Upon returning to the motel, the man left the red truck carrying a large hockey-size black duffle bag into a suite. Police then spoke to the motel manager and asked for the man’s name and telephone number. The manager opened a locked drawer, removed the motel registration documentation, advised the man’s name was “Jacob Neumann”, and provided them with his cell phone number.
The following day, Winnipeg officers contacted the Edmonton Police Service and obtained the particulars of Neuman’s height and weight, and a photograph – which matched the description of the man they had been watching – as well as his cell phone number, which was the same number provided by the motel manager. The police also saw a red van attend the motel. A woman got out of the van and entered Neumann’s room. She left about nine minutes later, re-entered the van and drove away. As a result, police believed Neumann was travelling across Canada for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine to other drug traffickers.
movements—and a transmission data recorder warrant under s. 492.2—to identify the times and durations of telephone calls and text messages transmitted by cell phone and the telephone numbers that communicated with the cell phone. Neither the substance or contents of those communications was sought. The results of these warrants led police to obtain additional warrants, including a vehicle tracking warrant, and conduct further surveillance. Calgary Police became involved and found the red truck parked at a car dealership for custom retrofit work. A Calgary officer spoke to the dealership manager and asked if Newmann’s telephone number was on file. The manager provided a telephone number that was different from the number provided to the Winnipeg Police.
Calgary Police obtained another tracking device warrant and transmission data recorder warrant for the second cell phone number and further investigation culminated in the execution of a s. 11 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant on Neumann’s truck. When police stopped the truck in Alberta, they found 46.9 kg of powder cocaine and 47.5 kg of crystal methamphetamine in the cargo bed of the truck, as well as documents corroborating Neumann’s travel patterns. Neumann was arrested and charged with possessing cocaine and methamphetamine for the purposes of trafficking.
The Charter does not require a warrant to obtain this very basic information necessary to obtain a warrant.
An Information to Obtain (ITO) was drafted and police obtained a 30-day tracking warrant for Neumann’s cellphone under s. 492.1(2) of the Criminal Code—to track its
At trial in the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench (now known as King’s Bench), the judge concluded that the police inquiries at the motel and car dealership for a telephone number and name were searches because they sought to obtain further details about Neuman’s “lifestyle and personal choices”. The judge held Neumann had a subjective expectation of privacy in his name and cell phone number that was objectively reasonable in the totality of the circumstances. Since a warrantless search is prima facie unreasonable, and there was no legal authority to justify the seizure of this information, obtaining Neumann’s name and cell phone number at the motel and at the car dealership breached s. 8 of the Charter. Without this information, the first ITO
was insufficient and the subsequent ITOs and warrants could not stand, resulting in further – nearly continuous – violations of the Charter. All of the evidence obtained in the police investigations after the initial s. 8 breach, including the drugs, and all the records and data obtained from the tracking device and transmission data recorder warrants, was excluded and Neumann was acquitted.
The Crown appealed the trial judge’s ruling to the Alberta Court of Appeal arguing that Neumann did not have a reasonable expectation of privacy in his name and cell phone number and therefore no warrant was required to obtain this information. And the three member panel of the Court of Appeal agreed. In applying the totality of the circumstances test in assessing whether Neumann had a reasonable expectation of privacy in this information, it stated: We conclude that given the subject matter of the police search, limited to only collecting a name and cell phone numbers for the purpose of seeking judicially authorized tracking and transmission data warrants, Mr. Neumann’s subjective expectation of privacy was objectively not reasonable. Mr. Neumann’s name and cell phone numbers, without more, did not constitute core biographical data which revealed intimate and private information or intimate details of his lifestyle and personal choices infringing his dignity, integrity and anonymity. The trial judge noted the police wanted Mr. Neumann’s name and telephone number, “to reveal patterns of travel, communication and other information”, but this was only after they obtained a judicially authorized warrant to do so. His s. 8 Charter right to be free from unreasonable search or seizure was not breached. The Charter does not require a warrant to obtain this very basic information necessary to obtain a warrant. [paras. 103-104, reference omitted]
As a result, the Crown’s appeal was allowed, the evidence seized was admissible and a new trial was ordered.
Mike Novakowski is Blue Line’s case law columnist.