The City of Lloydminster’s Municipal Police Committee is beginning to find its footing, with council hearing this week how the group is helping connect community concerns directly to local policing priorities.
The update came during Monday’s Governance and Priorities Committee meeting, where chair Darrell Dunn presented the committee’s first annual report, outlining its early work and evolving role.
Dunn described the committee as a relatively new creation, formed under provincial legislation and officially launched in 2025.
“This is the first year that it’s been in existence,” Dunn said, noting the group was built following approval of its terms of reference and a public recruitment process that drew 22 applicants.
Since then, they have focused on defining its purpose, reviewing policing data, and engaging directly with residents.
Building a two-way conversation
A key theme throughout the discussion was the committee’s role as a bridge between the public and the RCMP.
Dunn emphasized that the relationship works both ways, helping police understand community concerns while also improving public understanding of policing.
“When you’re wearing that uniform, you get a certain type of communication,” he said.
“When you’re not wearing the uniform and don’t have the authority, then you get a different type of communication.”
He said that dynamic allows the committee to gather more candid feedback from residents and pass that along to RCMP leadership.
“We’ve seen this thing as being something of a bridge and something of a two-way bridge,” Dunn said.
Rather than getting involved in specific cases, the committee focuses on broader trends and concerns raised by the public.
“In a general sense, we want to understand what people are talking about and then make sure that’s translated to management of the RCMP,” he said.
Community voice shaping priorities
Council members highlighted the importance of that connection, particularly as safety concerns continue to be a frequent topic among residents.
“There is a huge concern,” one councillor noted, pointing to increased conversations around community safety and a growing willingness from residents to raise issues.
Dunn said that feedback is central to the committee’s purpose, helping guide priorities without interfering in operational decisions.
“Governance at this level is about the what. The administration is about the how,” he said.
That distinction ensures the committee can influence direction while leaving policing tactics to professionals.
Education seen as a major gap
Several councillors also pointed to a broader lack of public understanding around policing, especially in a city with a unique bi-provincial structure.
Coun. Michele Charles Gustafson questioned how the committee could help clarify that complexity for residents.
“Where do you see this committee having influence in actual on-the-ground priorities?” she asked.
Dunn said education is a major part of the mandate, both for committee members and the public.
“It’s really two-way education,” he said, noting the committee learns from RCMP while also helping explain policing realities back to the community.
Coun. Michael Diachuk echoed that point, stressing that many residents do not fully understand the complexity of policing, especially when discussions arise about alternatives like a municipal police force.
“I think there’s a gap, if you like, in information within our community,” Diachuk said.
He added that part of the committee’s value is helping residents ask better questions.
“It’s not that we should be feeding the answers, but I think the community members have a right to ask all these questions,” he said.
Early engagement showing results
The committee has already begun reaching into the community through initiatives like a public open house, which drew close to 90 attendees despite poor weather.
That kind of turnout, Dunn said, shows growing interest in public safety discussions and a willingness from residents to engage.
“I think more people in the city are feeling more obligated and welcome to call in when they have questions, concerns, and with safety in the community,” he said.
Looking ahead
While still in its early stages, council feedback suggested strong support for the committee’s direction and potential.
Dunn said the group is continuing to expand its understanding of policing through education sessions, tours, and future discussions on topics like victim services and prosecution.
For now, the focus remains on strengthening communication and ensuring residents feel heard.
“It’s very much a two-way exercise,” Dunn said.
Read more: GUEST Opinion – The Lloydminster Municipal Police Committee gets to work
