Community Peace Officers


Clearwater County's Community Peace Officers (CPOs) provide proactive service and education to all stakeholders in areas of Traffic Safety, Emergency Management and Infrastructure protection. Community Peace Officers are employed by municipalities and legislated by the Justice and Solicitor General department of the provincial government.
 
The County employs four highly trained CPOs who work in partnership with RCMP, Sheriffs, Sustainable Resources, Forestry, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement and Fish and Wildlife to patrol and enforce Provincial and Federal legislation and most regulations as well as certain County bylaws.

Who We Are

Sergeant Terri Miller

In 2012 Terri was recognized by the Alberta Association of Community Peace Officers for her dedication and commitment to the Provincial Peace Officer program, and received the "Award of Excellence.”  Terri is also the President of the Alberta Association of Community Peace Officers. 

Terri has been involved in law enforcement for over 30 years and has been a Peace Officer with Clearwater County for over 19 years. With a background in traffic enforcement, Terri has dedicated her career to ensuring the safety of the public by working to ensure vehicles are in safe working order and the drivers of those vehicles are operating them in a safe manner.  

Terri has been the President of the Alberta Association of Community Peace officers for many years and works closely with law enforcement and Government stakeholders on many Provincial initiatives and committees including the Alberta Traffic Safety Committee, Alberta Off Highway Vehicle Safety committee, Justice Transformation committee.  She is also a active member of the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Law Enforcement Trainers Association and the International Chiefs of Police Association.  

In 2018, Terri received her 22-year Emergency Services Medal and the Peace Officer Long Service Medal.

Officer Ron McIvor

Ron came to Clearwater County after 10 years with Alberta Transportation as a Transport Officer and has been with the County for over 15 years. Ron brings many years of knowledge and expertise in the field of commercial vehicles and was a certified CVSA inspector for 23 years.  He has been involved in many joint inspections across the Province.  He holds an On Highways inspector designation in Dangerous Goods and Livestock Rollovers.  He is trained in Incident Command Systems ICS100, ICS200 and ICS300 and has assisted with many different types of incidents. Ron is actively involved in many aspects of enforcement and education including Rural Crime Watch and Industry compliance.   

In 2019, Ron received his 22-year emergency services medal. 

Officer Jason Lucas

Jason joined our staff in June of 2014 after spending 18 years with the RCMP where he was a Corporal on the Rocky Mountain House/Blackfalds traffic unit. Jason comes to the team with previous commercial vehicle enforcement (CVSA) and  collision analysis experience and is an On Highways Transport of Dangerous Goods inspector.  His many years of traffic enforcement experience and education is a big asset to the Clearwater team and the Community Police Advisory Committee.

In 2019, Jason received his 22-year Emergency Services Medal.

Officer Chad Cumberland

Chad is the newest member of our team after he was  hired in September 2020.  He brings over 11 years of experience from the Alberta Sheriffs Branch and is a welcome addition to the team. Chad is the lead for off highways patrols and will be working with the team to ensure the safety of recreational users of the west country. 

What We Do

County CPOs enforce the following legislation:
  • Commercial Vehicle Acts and Regulations
  • Weights and Dimensions
  • Log Books
  • Traffic Safety Act & Regulations
  • Off Highway Vehicles
  • Fuel Tax Act
  • Provincial Offences Procedures Act
  • Public Highway Development Act
  • Gaming & Liquor Act
  • Environmental Protection & Enhancement Act
  • Public Lands and Forests Act


Training and Certifications:
  • Radar and Laser Operators
  • Certified Livestock Transport
  • Collision Investigator Level 2
  • Car Seat Safety Inspector
  • CVSA Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Inspectors
  • Dangerous Goods On Highways Transportation & Handling Act Inspectors
  • Basic Emergency Preparedness
  • ICS 100, 200, 300, 400
  • Emergency Public Information System
  • 1st Aid, CPR, H2S Alive, WHIMIS and AED (Automatic Defibrillator)
  • ATV and Snowmobile Training
As CVSA Inspectors, the CPOs work in all areas of the Province. Working with other policing agencies throughout the province and having them attend in Clearwater County ensure the continuity of the program and is a means of cross training between departments.  Enforcement in weights ensures that companies operating in Clearwater County are working within the legal weights allowed thereby protecting the infrastructure from damage and reducing the tax burden for road repairs.

Officers work closely with industry by offering training courses and information sessions regarding new legislation and regulations. Officers are fully trained as first responders for collisions and emergencies that occur in the County. Due to the vast area, that the Officers patrol each patrol vehicle is equipped with an Automatic Electronic Defibrillator, medical kits and equipment. They are trained in Emergency Management and Incident Command Systems. Officers patrol the West Country for violations of the Traffic Safety and Public Lands Act, they also participate in some search and rescue missions with their off highway vehicle and patrol units.
 

OHV Use in Clearwater County

Using Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs) for recreational purposes can be a great way to spend the weekend with your family, but OHVs have potential dangers that can result in personal injury or even death. Clearwater County is one of the largest OHV destinations for visitors and residents. It is essential OHV users follow municipal bylaws and provincial acts relating to proper OHV use and safety precautions.
 
Respect private property
OHVs should not be operated on other people's property unless they have received permission from the property owner. Unauthorized rising is:
  • Trespassing
  • Against the law
  • Damaging to crops, fences and other valuable items
Municipal bylaws
OHV operators who do not follow municipal regulations are committing an offence and will be fined accordingly. Under Clearwater County's OHV bylaw, offence fines range from $250 to $1,000.
 
Please note: The bylaw does not apply to highways, which are under the jurisdiction of the Province. OHVs are not allowed within primary and secondary right-of-ways.

Long Weekend Taskforce

As residents of Clearwater County, we know that many Albertans come to provincial public lands – or the "West Country” – to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Although most users are respectful to the land they use for recreation, unfortunately a small minority is not.

Use of the West Country is increasing which in turn has increased the level of stress on public land and risk of public safety. Education and Enforcement enable upwards of 50,000 people heading into the West Country to continue to have a safe and enjoyable. 

Long Weekend Task Force aims to provide coordinated multi-agency enforcement and aims to educate users on traffic safety, the safe use of OHV’s, respect for the land, responsible camping, fire safety and garbage disposal.  The partnerships that have developed over the past 12 years between both provincial and municipal governments, the RCMP, industry and private user groups are crucial to ensure sustainable public lands usage into the future. The Long Weekend Task Force is going to continue to grow as use of the West Country keeps rising. With the help of local residents, understanding visitors and volunteers, we will continue to protect the Clearwater County West Country.

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