About the

South East Alberta Rural Crime Watch Association

Our Mission

At the South East Alberta Rural Crime Watch Association (SEABRCWA), our mission is to enhance the safety and security of rural communities across Cypress County, the County of Forty Mile, and Newell County. We work tirelessly alongside local RCMP detachments, community members, and volunteers to prevent crime, raise awareness, and foster a sense of collective responsibility. Through active participation, education, and vigilance, we aim to build a stronger, safer environment for all residents.

Zone 1 – Cypress County

Garry Lentz

President

Wanda Gill

Vice President

Shannon Pakula

Secretary-Treasurer

Barry Gutfriend

Shane Hok

Zone 2 – Forty Mile County

Diane Harty

Jim Babe

Craig Widmer

Cathryn Widmer

Zone 3 - Newell County

Peter Neu

John Buday

Margaret Winchester

Earl Winchester

Our Board

Our board members are all volunteers who live in the communities we serve, bringing their local knowledge and commitment to every aspect of our work. They work closely with law enforcement and community members to ensure our programs are effective and responsive to the needs of rural Albertans.

Get Involved

We invite you to join us in our mission to keep South East Alberta safe – Together, we can create a community where everyone feels secure and connected.

Current Opportunities:

South East Alberta Rural Crime Watch is now accepting nominations for openings on our Board of Directors. Great directors can have a great impact on helping govern and guide the crime watch program and ensure that the best interests of SE AB RCW are served to benefit our members. Qualified directors with diverse backgrounds and experience can make all the difference.

Board of Directors serve a 2-year term and are able to self-nominate to remain. Election of candidates takes place annually at the South East Alberta Rural Crime Watch Annual General Meeting.

Be a strong voice and advocate.

Nominations are open now. Deadline for nominations is October 1, 2025 at 4 p.m. (MST).     

For more information, please contact us at: admin@seabrcw.ca

 

South East Alberta Rural Crime Watch is now accepting nominations for openings on our Board of Directors. Great directors can have a great impact on helping govern and guide the crime watch program and ensure that the best interests of SE AB RCW are served to benefit our members. Qualified directors with diverse backgrounds and experience can make all the difference.

Board of Directors serve a 2-year term and are able to self-nominate to remain. Election of candidates takes place annually at the South East Alberta Rural Crime Watch Annual General Meeting.

Be a strong voice and advocate.

Nominations are open now. Deadline for nominations is October 1, 2025 at 4 p.m. (MST).     

For more information, please contact us at: admin@seabrcw.ca

 

Who We Are

SEABRCWA is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization established in the late 1970s by concerned rural citizens. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by rural communities, we have dedicated ourselves to supporting law enforcement efforts and empowering residents to take an active role in crime prevention. Our organization partners with the Redcliff, Bow Island, Brooks, and Bassano RCMP to ensure that even the most remote areas receive the attention and resources needed to deter criminal activity.

Why it Matters

Rural crime may not be as prevalent as urban crime, but it is equally, if not more, disruptive to the affected communities. Farms, ranches, and rural homes are often isolated, making them vulnerable targets for theft, vandalism, and other criminal acts. By coming together as a community and staying informed, we can protect our property, our livelihoods, and our way of life.

What We Do

Our efforts focus on promoting community involvement, sharing critical information, and implementing effective crime prevention strategies. We achieve this through:

  • Fanout Alerts: Timely notifications to our members about criminal activity, suspicious behavior, and other safety concerns.
  • Citizens on Patrol: Encouraging and organizing community members to monitor and report unusual activities in their neighborhoods.
  • Crime Watch App: A mobile tool that allows users to report incidents and receive updates on local crime directly from their phones.
  • Signage: Providing "No Trespassing" and "RCW Member" signs to deter criminal activity and show community solidarity.