FAQs

The Apex Public Security Unit is designed to comprehensively address community challenges and elevate safety standards wherever it's implemented. 

The Public Security Unit's operational scope supplements and supports the work Enforcement Services do in Town such as Parks, Bylaw, Peach Officers, and the RCMP/Police as well as working collaboratively with outreach programs and support groups. The Public Security Unit work in areas that require enhanced visibility, patrols, and immediate action to address issues of loitering, trespassing, disturbances, public intoxication, needle debris pick up/removal, and ensure encampments are dealt with. 

The Public Security Unit also deals with any other security issues on Town properties as directed. Being a private extension of the public sector, duties can be quickly adjusted to meet the needs of the community. The Public Security Unit also support businesses that are signed up as "Agents" of the Town and act on behalf of those businesses in dealing with these issues when called upon or when observed by the Public Security Unit on their patrols. 

Officers assigned to the Public Security Unit will provide nightly dedicated security and enforcement to areas of town identified as requiring enhanced visibility, patrol, and/or enforcement. 

Duties of a Public Security Unit assigned officer may include (but are not limited to) the following: 

• Responding to security and enforcement related incidents, emergencies, and alarms. 
• Be the lead enforcement resource for issues related to social disorder, trespassing, and encampments. 
• Enforcing facility rules, municipal bylaws, and Provincial Statutes (where authorized). 
• Conducting frequent mobile, bike, and foot patrols in assigned areas and facilities. 
• Problem-solving through social development (e.g., connect with social support agencies). 
• Proactively provide businesses and the public with general assistance and exceptional customer service. 
• The Public Security Unit will work closely with and in support of Citizens on Patrol and other local service providers to improve the level of safety for both their staff and clients. 
• Provide proactive communication and check-ins with local businesses to enhance community peace of mind. 
• Work with the Town of Slave Lake on the integration of value-add initiatives, or future collaboration opportunities. 
• Additional duties not mentioned here may be assigned occasionally at the discretion of the primary Town of Slave Lake Liaison. 

Operating under the umbrella of provincial Acts, specifically the Petty Trespass Act and Trespass to Premises Act, the Public Security Unit is empowered to apprehend trespassers without warrants if needed. This legal framework ensures a swift and effective response to maintain public safety. 

Furthermore, all Public Security Unit officers are sworn in as bylaw officers, allowing them to enforce municipal bylaws as directed by the Town. In this capacity, they act as agents for the community in matters of security and public order. 

• Petty Trespass Act 
  • Apprehension without warrant 
    • (4) Any person found committing a trespass to which this Act applies may be apprehended without warrant by any peace officer, or by the owner or occupier of the land on which the trespass is committed, or the servant of, or any person authorized by the owner or occupier of the land, and may be forthwith taken before the nearest judge of the Court of Justice or justice of the peace to be dealt with according to the law. 
• Trespass to Premises Act 
  • Arrest without warrant Section 5
    • (1) A trespasser may be apprehended without warrant by (a) any peace officer, or (b) the owner of an authorized representative of the owner of the premises in respect of which the trespass is committed. 
    • (2) Where a person other than a peace officer apprehends a trespasser, that person shall deliver that trespasser to a peace officer as soon as practicable.