"K" Division Integrated Traffic Unit

Описание: Sgt. Darrin Turnbal (RCMP)

My name is Sgt. Darrin Turnbal, I am currently the traffic advisor NCO for Southern Alberta her in “K” Division. With that I over see the integrated traffic units that are located in the south part of the province of Alberta.

In 2009 we were fortunate enough to integrate with the Alberta Sheriffs in regards to traffic enforcement. So the Alberta Sheriffs had started a highway patrol program and in 2009 we integrated, so we could be more strategic and focus based working together the priorities on the integrated traffic units. No longer were we two separate agencies working toward the same goal we were integrated into one agency working toward that one common goal of making the highways safer.

Supt. Rick Gardner (Alberta Sheriffs)

We work out of 20 locations within the Province fully integrated with the RCMP, the only difference is with our authorities. Sheriffs can pull over any offence on the highway in regards to driving. so if they pull over a driver for speeding that happens to be impaired by alcohol or drug then that sheriff will contact the RCMP or the police of jurisdiction to come and assist. We will look after things like towing the vehicle and looking after provincial statutes where the police of jurisdiction or RCMP will look after the criminal code aspect of the file.

Sgt. Darrin Turnbal (RCMP)

Well we concentrate on the four leading causes of serious injury and fatal collisions in Alberta. So that of course is impaired drivers either by alcohol or drug, and now one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatal collisions is distracted drivers. People who are talking on their cell phones or texting and driving or several other things that are listed in the distracted driving legislation as being illegal in Alberta. Another is occupant restraints, making sure everyone is wearing their seat belts. And lastly speeding and aggressive driving.

Supt. Rick Gardner (Alberta Sheriffs)

A lot of times along highway two, you’ll see different Integrated Traffic Units and different units work together on an operation that would target speed or distracted driving or seat belts. There a four main units on highway two between Calgary and Edmonton. Those units are responsible not only for proactive traffic enforcement but also for answering calls for service. So when the public does call for a traffic related call it can be either a sheriff or RCMP officer that responds to that call. That being said we have 16 other units throughout the province. So we cover the main part of the Province where most of the collisions occur. So when we coordinated the integration, we look at where serious injury and fatal collisions were occurring and that’s where those units were strategically placed throughout the Province. We do proactive enforcements in all those units, if there is collision or call for service elsewhere other than highway two, sheriffs can assist when asked by the RCMP.

Sgt. Darrin Turnbal (RCMP)

I’ve been in traffic for over 19 years and when I started in traffic, I can remember seeing a vehicle in front of me that was weaving or going over the lines and the first thing I though was impaired driver. You’d catch up to that vehicle pull it over and check and see the sobriety of the driver. Unfortunately now days that’s not the first thing that comes into my mind. The first thing that comes into my mind is that they are likely on their cellphone.

Supt. Rick Gardner (Alberta Sheriffs)

At the end of the day or main purpose, or mandate is to enhance public safety and traffic safety on Alberta’s highways to lessen serious injury and fatality collisions.