(Cochrane, AB) – The Town of Cochrane has released it’s What We Heard report, summarizing community feedback gathered through the Future of Policing Services survey conducted in August 2025.
The engagement included a public survey and stakeholder interviews and was one input into a broader, independent review examining how policing services can continue to meet the needs of a growing community.
What residents told us
Feedback confirmed strong overall confidence in the RCMP and a high perception of safety in Cochrane. At the same time, residents consistently identified several areas where they want to see improvement:
- Increased visible enforcement in neighbourhoods
- Stronger traffic enforcement
- Clearer understanding of the roles of the RCMP and Community Peace Officers (CPOs)
- Greater local influence over policing priorities
Residents emphasized that their expectations are focused on improved communication, visibility, and local oversight, rather than a complete change to the current policing model.
How this feedback fits into the broader review
Community input played a critical role in informing the Town’s comprehensive policing services study, conducted by Western Management Consultants (WMC). The study examined current service delivery, governance, and long-term sustainability as Cochrane continues to grow.
The What We Heard report captures resident perspectives on safety, trust, and value for money and helps guide how the Town strengthens policing and enforcement within the existing framework, while planning responsibly for the future.
Moving forward
Jay Judin, Director of Community Safety, emphasized that community feedback is shaping practical, near-term improvements. “Residents were clear about what’s working and where they expect change. They want to see policing that is visible, responsive, and better connected to local priorities—and we are listening.”
Judin noted that the Town’s focus moving forward is on:
- Strengthening communication with residents
- Improving coordination between the RCMP, Municipal Enforcement, and the Municipal Policing Committee
- Advancing a more proactive, community-centred approach to safety and enforcement
“These efforts are about improving how policing services are delivered and governed in Cochrane—not replacing them,” he added. “Our partners all share the same goal: ensuring policing reflects local needs, local expectations, and local values.” The Town will continue to report publicly on progress as these improvements are implemented.
Residents can review the full What We Heard report and find ongoing updates on the policing services review at Let’s Talk Cochrane: https://www.letstalkcochrane.ca/policing-in-cochrane
-30-