UPDATE: Calgary Police Service (CPS) has issued a statement regarding a training exercise that upset residents of Bragg Creek.
"At CPS, we value our relationship with our neighbours and do not want to upset people with our training," CPS stated. "When we conduct exercises outside of city limits, it is our process to notify the local police and the County in advance. On the day, we also put up temporary signs and officers knock on the doors of any nearby properties to speak directly with residents."
According to the statement, CPS is now in conversation with Rocky View County (RVC) to determine how the process for notifying the County should be adjusted to prevent issues in the future.
Rocky View County (RVC) has expressed concerns with a Calgary Police Service (CPS) training exercise that led to calls from frightened Bragg Creek residents.
According to a June 5 press release from the County, the June 4 exercise "left parts of the community unnerved from the sounds of explosive devices and firearms." RVC claims there was a lack of communication between City police and residents of the hamlet.
"Sending CPS into RVC's jurisdiction and setting off controlled explosions without properly communicating it, and during these unsettling times is insensitive," Reeve Greg Boehlke said.
The release stated Bragg Creek residents contacted members of RVC council with concerns and questions about the detonations, asking for an explanation from the County.
A landowner has since contacted County representatives and apologized for causing neighbours the confusion.
"Any training exercise events conducted within RVC must have ample advanced notification, permits or permission to avoid misunderstandings and alarm the public," the release stated.
CPS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
