The Smith government’s decision to create the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service (ASPS) has the potential to significantly change the way rural communities are policed and protected going forward.
Whether the move will be result in improvements and be worth the cost remains to be seen. What is known is that rural municipalities must be part of the process – something that, according to the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA), has not yet been done.
For her part, Premier Danielle Smith says the new service will strengthen Alberta’s existing policing model and complement the province’s current police services, which includes the RCMP and municipal police.
The service will also “fill gaps and ensure law enforcement resources are deployed efficiently to meet Alberta’s evolving public safety needs and improve law enforcement times,” especially in rural area, she said.
“This is about building a modern police service that reflects the priorities of Albertans, strengthens local decision-making, and ensures every corner of our province, especially rural areas, can count on responsive, effective law enforcement,” Smith said.
Mike Ellis, minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, added, “We are confident that we will develop a modern, efficient police services that not only enhances public safety, but also aligns closely with the priorities and values of Albertans.”
The RMA represents 69 rural municipalities including Mountain View, Red Deer and Rocky View counties. Association officials say they have questions about the ASPS initiative.
“Unfortunately, the government of Alberta has yet to engage municipalities on how this new police service may be a solution to addressing policing challenges,” RMA officials said a release. “Furthermore, RMA was unaware that the (service) has formed an oversight board, which appears to have also been created without public input.
“Risks and a lack of clarity remain related to implementation and the extent to which the direction of the service will be based on public input and transparency.”
The creation of the ASPS should and must include detailed and meaningful input from municipalities and the public.
Dan Singleton is an editor with the Albertan.
