Alberta Government’s Plan to Create New Police Force Criticized by Sheriffs and RCMP Union

The provincial government of Alberta has announced plans to create an independent police agency that would take over some of the duties currently performed by Alberta sheriffs. The announcement has left sheriffs in the dark, with little information provided about the details of the proposed legislation. Critics have raised concerns that the new agency is an attempt to replace the RCMP with an Alberta provincial police service. The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) has expressed frustration over the lack of consultation and details about the plan.

Alberta sheriffs currently perform a variety of law enforcement tasks, including highway patrol, courthouse security, prisoner transport, and investigations. In recent years, the government has assigned sheriffs to address various law enforcement priorities, such as rural crime response, surveillance, and fugitive apprehension. The proposed legislation would potentially transfer some of these responsibilities to the new police agency, allowing local police to focus on core operations and frontline duties. Concerns have been raised about mission creep, compensation, and staffing levels among the sheriffs represented by AUPE.

The National Police Federation, representing RCMP officers, has also criticized the announcement, arguing that Alberta already has significant policing infrastructure in place through the RCMP. The federation believes that provincial funding for the Mounties has not kept pace with population growth and crime rates. They argue that forcing an unwanted and expensive policing change on taxpayers is unnecessary, and that investing in the highly trained and professional Alberta RCMP would be a better approach. The lack of clarity about the plan and concerns about the future of the sheriffs service have created uncertainty among law enforcement personnel and the broader community.

The AUPE is seeking more information about the new police agency and whether it will exist alongside or replace the current sheriffs service. Questions regarding compensation, staffing levels, and a timeline for the transition remain unanswered. The union is concerned about the increasing responsibilities being placed on sheriffs without a clear plan for resource allocation and support. The lack of consultation with the sheriffs and other stakeholders has raised doubts about the government’s approach to law enforcement restructuring in the province. Moving forward, transparency and collaboration will be crucial in addressing the concerns and ensuring the safety and security of Albertans.

In response to the criticism, Public Safety and Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis defended the government’s decision, stating that the role of sheriff has been evolving and that consultations have taken place with various police services, municipalities, and the sheriffs themselves. The ministry believes that creating a specialized law enforcement agency will enhance the government’s ability to respond to community needs and work alongside local police. However, details about how the new agency will operate, its relationship with the sheriffs service, and the timeline for implementation are still unclear. The government will need to address these concerns and engage with stakeholders to ensure a smooth and effective transition in the law enforcement landscape of Alberta.