Incident volume is relatively, and predictably, heavy for a commercial area of this magnitude. The nature of these incidents widely varied but more commonly included such activity as disorderly conduct, motor vehicle accidents, security alarm activations, theft, suspicious persons and vehicles, property damage, fraud, break & enter, and trouble unknown.
In recognition of this existing criminogenic profile, it will be important to ensure any police-generated activity arising out of the operation of the new Cannabis retail store can be properly managed to maintain public safety for the area.
Primary Drivers of Safety
Establishing and maintaining a suitably high level of public safety and security for a high profile commercial business such as this, inclusive of all its users, should form the basis for any decisions made hereafter that impact such. To optimize user comfort and enjoyment, and to optimize the facility’s social and economic value to the community, this must be the goal. In this regard, the following drivers of safety should guide decisions that need to be considered:
- All employees feel safe to do their jobs and serve customers of the facility
- Customers, who represent a critical success component in this facility's ongoing operations, must also feel safe while attending the business and traveling to and from it
- The community's perception of this important economic asset relies heavily on its sustained reputation as a place that is comfortable, enjoyable, and SAFE
SUGGESTIONS TO ADDRESS SAFETY & SECURITY
The following suggestions, in no particular order, are offered for consideration from a public safety optimization, threat and risk mitigation, and general safety and security perspective. These ideas are intended to specifically address the three (3) key areas outlined by the AGCO to be considered according to the Cannabis Licence Act 2018; namely:
1. Protecting public health and safety
2. Protecting youth and restricting their access to cannabis
3. Preventing illicit activities in relation to cannabis
1. The property has already undergone a comprehensive site plan review and approval process but this was without knowing a cannabis retail store would be part of the overall development plan. It may therefore be prudent for the Police to thoroughly review this architectural design information specifically for this store; namely: