Sgt Craswell receives IODE Award

The IODE is a Canadian women’s charitable organization. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for children, youth, and those in need, through educational, social service and citizenship programs.

Every year, the IODE chapter of PEI solicits nominations from PEI law enforcement for the annual Police Community Relations Award.   This award is presented to an Officer that has provided outstanding community service beyond the requirements of duty.

It’s with great pleasure and humility that Sgt Melissa Craswell has received the 2025 Police Community Relations Award.

Sgt Craswell is a dedicated Police Officer with over 24 years of experience in law enforcement, public safety and community service.  She is community focused with a strong commitment to building trust, fostering positive relationships and promoting safety through active community engagement.

Sgt Craswell takes a proactive approach to problem solving, collaborating with residents, local organizations, and youth programs to create safer and more connected neighborhoods.  She demonstrates integrity, compassion and a deep understanding of the unique needs of the community, striving to make a lasting, positive impact through outreach, education and service.

Sgt Craswell does safety presentation in her community, instructs Healthy Me to grade six students and career day presentations.  She gives presentations to senior groups on safety and fraud.  She is a member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run committee for Special Olympics and participates annually with the Police Services Turkey Drive, Polar Bear Plunge and Torch Run.

On Saturday Nov 9, 2024 at approximately 11:00pm, the Charlottetown Police Services Street Crime Unit arrested a male following an investigation into the illicit drug trade of selling fentanyl in Charlottetown.

Charlottetown Police Street Crime Unit assisted by Patrol Officers and the Tactical Team executed a Controlled Drug and Substance Act Search Warrant at a residence on the south end of Charlottetown.

Officers seized 225 grams of fentanyl, 251 grams of cocaine, three cell phones, approximately $4500 dollars cash and other drug trafficking related paraphernalia.

22  year old male, Zachary Sullivan,  from British Columbia has been charged with two counts of CDSA 5(2) –  Possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking (Fentanyl & Cocaine).

The accused has been remanded in custody and will appear in Province Court this afternoon.

Yesterday afternoon (Feb 8), Charlottetown Police Services Patrol Section responded to a call of a possible impaired driver in the Winsloe area.

Officers located the vehicle at a gas station in Winsloe and determined that the driver was not impaired but was a prohibited driver and was wanted on PEI for an outstanding arrest warrant.

During the course of the investigation, Officers located drugs and drug paraphernalia within the vehicle.   The Charlottetown Police Street Crime Unit attended the scene to assist with the drug investigation.   

Officers seized over 55 grams of fentanyl (street value of approximately $30,000), over 80 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 415 dollars cash and drug paraphernalia.  Note that the fentanyl seized was not the same type described by Health PEI related to several overdoses this week.

A 32 year old Summerside male was arrested and subsequently charged with:

• CDSA 5(2) Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking
• CDSA 5(2) Possession of crystal methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking
• 320.18 Driving while Prohibited
• 733.1 Breach of Probation

The accused appeared in court this morning and has been remanded in custody until his next court date on Tuesday for a show cause hearing.

Meet our new 4 legged member, Captain.  Charlottetown Police Services now have a facility dog that will support the mental health and wellbeing of our Officers.

Captain was donated to our Police Service by Canine Therapy for First Responders (CTFFR).   The organization was founded by Tracey Ryan in February 2019 in honor of Fredericton Police Constable Robb Costello after he and Constable Sara Mae Burns were killed in the line of duty in August 2018.

Captain is a nine month old male Golden Retriever that was bred and donated to CTFFR by Goldens with a Mission from Yarmouth Nova Scotia.  Captain was born on July 29, 2022.

Over the next year and a half Captain will receive intensive training to ensure he is fully prepared to complete all his duties as a Facility Dog for CPS. Captain will undertake the Certified Facility Dog and Certified Justice Courthouse Facility Dog program under his organization Canine Therapy for First Responders Inc. This 18-24 month long program will ensure Captain meets the high requirements to work within his future role supporting his CPS Members, but also community members impacted by crime.  He will be trained by Master Trainer and CTFFR Canine Program Executive Director Rhonda Langille from Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia.

Initially Captain will be primarily used at the Police Station providing comfort and affection to our Officers, Dispatchers and other support staff.  He will also be a big part of our community by attending community events, Schools, Nursing Homes and other first responder facilities.   In time, and once training complete, he will be used to support victims of crime.

Captain’s handler is Cst Robert Schnarr.  Cst. Schnarr is a retired veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with over 20 years’ service. Following his retirement, and indicative of his commitment to public service, he attended the Atlantic Police Academy and joined CPS 10 years ago; he is currently the Forensic Identification Officer.  Cst. Schnarr was also a volunteer firefighter in New Maryland, New Brunswick for 13 years while working with the CAF and is a current volunteer firefighter with Cross Roads Fire Department, Stratford.

Captain also has 3 back up handlers, all of which are part of the Police Services Peer Support Team.   In the picture Captain is flanked by his handlers, left to right are Cst Patrick Hogan, Cst Robert Schnarr, Det/Cpl Tara Watts and Cst Mark Woods.

Within the next few months, we will post an update with information on how Organizations can make requests for Captain to attend their events, stay tuned!

With the increased presence of fentanyl on PEI, Charlottetown Police Services is pleased to share this website link that provides tips and other information to help parents/guardians educate themselves and their children.  The resource includes:

• Tips for Parents
• Information of Fentanyl
• Online Safety Tools
• Helpful Videos & Articles

DrugRehab.ca is a substance abuse resource that’s completely free and created by DRS, go to the link below to learn more.

https://www.drugrehab.ca/parents-guide-to-fentanyl.html

It’s back to school today! Nitro & Copper are reminding drivers to watch out for the big yellow busses, flashing lights and little ones!

Last week, Charlottetown Police Services along with Highway Safety Officers conducted check points in Charlottetown.  Over 45 highway traffic act tickets were issued with 5 warnings.  Motorists should make sure their drivers license is not expired, vehicle registration and inspection are up to date and have valid insurance before getting behind the wheel.

A big shoutout to our very own @IslandersHKY for their history-making performance this season. Cst. Keizer and Cst. Bowness had the honor of presenting the 2022 President Cup to the @Cataractes_Shaw on Saturday night. Photo credit to @Darrell54.

The IODE (Inclusive, Organized, Dedicated, Enthusiastic), is a Canadian women’s charitable organization. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for children, youth, and those in need, through educational, social service and citizenship programs.

Every year, the IODE chapter of PEI solicits nominations from PEI law enforcement for the annual Police Community Relations Award.   This award is presented to an Officer that has provided outstanding community service beyond the requirements of duty.

It’s with great pleasure and humility that Cst Ervin COFFIN has received the 2022 Police Community Relations Award.

Cst COFFIN spends much of his time volunteering in the community to further solidify Charlottetown Police Services ties with community residence.  Cst COFFIN organizes the annual 911 Ride, and participates in food drives, Special Olympics and other worthwhile causes.