2016 could be described as a year of transition for the Lacombe Police Service.

They completed and moved into their new police facility out on Wolf Creek Drive, transitioned to their own local dispatch, and implemented the Alberta First Responders Radio Communication System.

They were also able to designate a School Resource Officer, whose primary role is to build a positive relationship with students and staff in order to foster a safe and comfortable learning environment.

Here are a few examples of the good work School Resource Officer Constable Jeff Hewitt has already done for the community: Bright Futures Play Academy Treated to a Morning with LPS Officer. Lacombe Bowler & LPS Constable Form Special Olympics Bond.

Among the positive highlights was a 29% drop in impaired driving offences, sexual assaults were down by 33%, and there was a 6% decrease in break and enters.

Unfortunately, one of the glaring negative highlights was a 73% increase in reported cases of family disputes.

Police Chief Lorne Blumhagen explains why that stat is not as alarming as it appears.

"Some of those complaints we were going to previously we were scoring as assist general public. They may have been very minor incidences, but there might have been something going on in a household, an argument or something like that, that didn't lead to physical violence, but might have been aggressive behaviours or the parents may have been intoxicated, one or the other or both. We are including those instances, as domestic disputes".

One highlight Blumhagen is proud of is the continued efforts of the Lacombe Community Watch Association which was started back in 2014.

It combines Block Parents, Citizens on Patrol, and Neighbourhood Watch, which endeavours to recruit, support, and educate community members on the importance of being involved in your community, and watching for any suspicious behaviour.

To view the complete report, you can visit the City of Lacombe's website.