What is Alberta Rural Crime Watch

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The History of Crime Prevention in Alberta

The Rural Crime Watch program, as we know it, began in 1978 with the vision to prevent crime by building relationships through promotion, community involvement and identifying future needs with effective communication and promotion. The program was initially called the Range Patrol and was established to provide additional “eyes and ears” for the RCMP. Over time, however, Range Patrol drew a negative image in the media so the program was renamed “Alberta Rural Crime Watch”.

In 1993 it was decided a province-wide umbrella group was needed to support and enhance crime prevention so a committee was formed to produce bylaws and policies. On March 19, 1995, the Alberta Provincial Rural Crime Watch Association (APRCWA) received official recognition as a society and the APRCWA Organization has become a supportive organization for Member Associations.

The intent of the Rural Crime Watch program is still to provide the extra “support” for the RCMP, however, the focus has changed. The focus is now promoting crime prevention through awareness, education and encouraging reporting of suspicious activity when observed.

Member Associations are now concentrating their efforts on farmstead, acreage and rural property security, property identification and general rural crime awareness. And now the "Report A Poacher" program has been included in the Rural Crime Watch Association's activities.

The Rural Crime Watch Program is completely voluntary and involves rural residents working in cooperation with their local RCMP detachments.

MISSION STATEMENT

Alberta Provincial Rural Crime Watch Association will strive to promote rural crime prevention through communication, programs and support.

VISION STATEMENT

Alberta Rural Crime Watch Association will be leaders in crime prevention by building relationships through promotion, community involvement and identifying future needs with effective communication and promotion.