Medicine Hat Police Service | |
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Motto | Serving and Protecting With Pride |
Jurisdictional structure | |
Legal jurisdiction | Municipal |
Operational structure | |
Sworn members | 114 [1] |
Elected officer responsible |
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Agency executive |
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Website | |
Official website |
The Medicine Hat Police Service is the municipal police force for the City of Medicine Hat, Alberta.
The MHPS is the first police force in Canada to receive a Police Service Banner and first in Alberta to be granted a National Municipal Police Service Badge by the Canadian Heraldic Authority. [2] The Medicine Hat Police Service began operation in 1899 when concern by the town council that the five North-West Mounted Police could no longer safely protect the town and the district. From one constable in 1899 to approximately 100 officers in 2017, Medicine Hat Police Service operates a full service in all aspects of police work. In October 2016 Medicine Hat Police Service opened a police museum highlighting the history of their service, the third of its kind in Alberta.
The MHPS is also a member of Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT). They also work in cooperation with the Redcliff RCMP to ensure the safety of their rural and urban residents.
The Medicine Hat Police Service can trace its history back to January 13, 1899 when the Town Council passed By-Law 8, which authorized a town constable position to be created; at this time the officer was also in charge of health enforcement and other duties.
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