Gangs and Organized Crime in Lethbridge (Part 2 Q&A)

The activities of gangs and organized crime were once considered a “big city” problem. Increasingly however, such gangs are now getting well established throughout our communities, urban and rural alike. Lethbridge is no exception. Economically motivated, these gangs are functioning mainly through the sale of illicit drugs. They are also involved with stolen property, the sex trade, identity theft/fraud and money counterfeit/laundering. With the evolution of computers and the internet, cyber related crime is on the rise and although not limited to gangs, we can certainly expect this kind of illegal activity to be a huge challenge for law enforcement, in years to come. What is Lethbridge Regional Police Service doing to combat gangs and organized crime? Is it working? What can we as citizens do to prevent this and other types of crime? Presenters: Chief Tom McKenzie and Sergeant Dave Maze Upon completing the Criminal Justice Program at Lethbridge College, Tom McKenzie joined the Lethbridge Regional Police Service (LRPS) in 1976. Working his way through the ranks and experiencing nearly all aspects of law enforcement in Lethbridge, as well as, serving on several provincial action committees, Tom was sworn in as Chief of LRPS January 1, 2007, after successfully competing for that position. Throughout his career Chief McKenzie, has also been involved with sports, neighborhood associations, as a Criminal Justice lecturer at the College and as a course designer (white collar crime) at Athabasca University, to name just a few. Sergeant Dave Maze joined LRPS in 1986 after completing the Criminal Justice Program at Grant McEwen College in Edmonton. Since being promoted to Sergeant in 2002, Dave has been in charge of LRPS Integrated Intelligence Unit, which he helped develop jointly with the RCMP. The Unit is an essential tool in the combat of gangs and organized crime. In his spare time, Sgt. Maze is very active in the local soccer community, instructs at Lethbridge College and is working on his University degree, majoring in Anthropology. Date: Thursday, January 17, 2008 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Ericksen’s Family Restaurant (lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)