RCMP office on Morley reserve will focus on building relationships
Officers will have presence on reserve instead of driving from Cochrane
The RCMP say a satellite office on the Stoney Nakoda First Nation will provide more access to police services and better safety for residents.
Chief Aaron Young of the Chiniki First Nation described the grand opening of the RCMP office as a mark of progress.
"Having established a police station here on the reserve will bring some comfort in a way, in the sense that we are addressing some of the key issues," he said. "Making sure that every individual feels safe and protected."
Two community police officers will be stationed at the office and focus on building relationships.
Const. Jennifer Brewer says having a brick and mortar station, instead of travelling 30 kilometres from Cochrane, will be a big help.
"We can be found," Brewer said. "Before, we would just take space wherever we could find it or just drive around the back roads. We're here now. They can come up, knock on the door and can talk to us."
The chief says this is a chance to build new relationships with the police.
The RCMP office is located at the old Chiniki storefront, across from the Chiniki Gas Bar.
With files from Terri Trembath