Dec. 17, 2024
Fredericton (N.B.) – The Fredericton Police Force (FPF) has announced the launch of a new Community Engagement Unit (CEU) to enhance community relations and improve service efficiency.
This initiative, funded as part of the City's efforts to support community safety measures, aims to address the increasing demands on police resources by providing dedicated support for non-emergency tasks.
The CEU will consist of former FPF members who will handle non-critical tasks, such as taking statements for minor crimes, handling lost property, and providing general public assistance. This will allow officers to focus on urgent and high-priority calls. Importantly, CEU members will not engage in patrol responses involving risk.
"This initiative will help meet the community's needs while allowing officers to concentrate on more urgent police matters,” said Inspector David Cooper. “It is important for maintaining community trust, ensuring efficient use of police resources and will allow for more proactive community policing.”
The unit will operate on a trial basis for six months, with an evaluation at the end of the period.
“The union executive was consulted throughout the process of adopting the Community Engagement Unit. We fully support FPF Management’s decision to engage this temporary solution and will monitor the impact as it relates to our members.” said Chris Furlotte, President of UBC 911.
This initiative, coupled with several other measures in place to enhance public safety, reflects the City's commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all its residents.
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Media contact:
Sonya Gilks
Public Information Officer
Fredericton Police Force
Fpf.media@fredericton.ca