What does it take to build a safer downtown? According to Medicine Hat Police Service Downtown Patrol officers, it starts with relationships, mutual respect, and working together.

Today on Bring Back The Porch, host Brian Konrad welcomes Sergeant Brian Bohrn and Constable Mitch Young of the award-winning Downtown Patrol Unit to discuss the realities of downtown policing in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the downtown patrol unit
02:03 Last day for Sergeant Brian Bohrn and team growth
04:08 Team dynamics and the importance of close-knit relationships
06:18 Understanding the needs of homeless individuals
07:15 The non-adversarial approach to community policing
08:43 Challenges faced by homeless individuals and support resources
10:18 The evolution and growth of the patrol team
12:42 Reflections on the work and success stories
13:32 Uplifting stories and the rewards of community policing
14:25 Closing remarks and appreciation for Sergeant Brian Bohrn


From working alongside downtown business owners to building relationships with people experiencing homelessness and addiction, Brian and Mitch explain how communication, education, and collaboration help address community concerns.

The conversation also marks a milestone for Sergeant Bohrn, who reflects on nearly six years with the Downtown Patrol Unit as he prepares to move on from the team. Both officers share what makes the work rewarding, the challenges of supporting people in complex circumstances, and the success stories that remind them why community policing matters.

IN THIS EPISODE

• How Medicine Hat's Downtown Patrol Unit works with local businesses to address concerns and prevent problems.

• Why the unit's community nomination for an award made the recognition especially meaningful.

• How officers build trust and rapport with people experiencing homelessness and addiction.

• Why enforcement is not always the first response, and how education and mutual respect can encourage cooperation.

• The complex reasons some people may struggle to access shelters or housing.

• How police connect people with community support services, including Recovery Alberta.

• How the Downtown Patrol Unit has grown and why additional resources help officers respond to community needs.

• Sergeant Brian Bohrn's reflections on six years of downtown policing, teamwork, and relationships.

• The success stories that come from helping people find employment, stable housing, and a path forward.

A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

Downtown safety involves more than enforcement. It also involves understanding the people who live and work in the community, recognizing the challenges they face, and finding practical ways to work together.

This conversation offers a look at the people behind the badge and the relationships that help shape a safer, more connected Medicine Hat.

ABOUT BRING BACK THE PORCH

Bring Back The Porch is a Medicine Hat community podcast featuring conversations about local people, current events, public issues, and the ideas shaping our community.

Our Porch has room for everyone. Join us as we listen, learn, and explore the stories that matter to southeastern Alberta.

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