The Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) are making an addition to their senior ranks.
The police service announced Wednesday morning the appointment of Lisa Simonson, who has previously been serving as a Sargent, to the rank of Inspector. As part of her new duties Simonson will be responsible for overseeing patrol operations. Prior to this appointment patrol was overseen by the same Inspector responsible for detention and custody.
The appointment of Simonson comes after an incident in the city on Feb. 10. when Police were called to a home on the 200 Block of 23rd Street West early in the morning, they were then called back to the home later that morning about the death of a young child. The incident is currently under investigation by the Public Complaints Commission. Specific details are not being released due to the investigation, however PAPS Police Chief Jon Bergen has concluded changes need to be made to the police service’s organizational structure.
“We know that our police officers face an increasing number of calls for service each year, and it has become more difficult to manage every call as thoroughly as required,” Chief Bergen said. “We need to make sure we are fully compliant with policy, legislation, and best practices, and that is driving this change.”
Simonson has over 20 years of experience in policing and in her career has worked with police services in both Vancouver and Edmonton. Before taking on her new role she worked in PAPS Criminal Investigation Division.