On March 9, the Government of Alberta announced $10 million in funding to address rural crime. The investment includes $8 million towards 39 new officers and 40 new civilian staff, as well as $2 million towards ten additional Crown prosecutors who will focus solely on crimes in rural areas.
In addition to the funding, Alberta Justice and Solicitor General is collaborating with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on an action plan to take a more strategic and proactive approach to how policing resources are deployed in rural areas, as well as how data and information are used to better predict patterns of criminal activity.
The complete action plan is as follows:
- Crime reduction units: Specially trained officers will focus on arresting prolific offenders. This initiative will expand on a successful pilot project in Central Alberta.
- Specialized police intelligence: Six additional intelligence-focused RCMP officers plus four crime analyst positions will allow the RCMP to identify prolific offenders and target organized crime.
- Policing support centre: RCMP officers need to be on the streets protecting our communities, not behind a desk filling out paperwork. Twenty-three civilians will input investigative updates dictated over the phone by officers.
- More Crown prosecutors: $2 million will allow the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service to hire up to 10 Crown prosecutors who will focus solely on rural crime.
- Better coordination: Sharing information with Alberta sheriffs, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement and conservation officers will effectively make these officials additional “eyes and ears” for police.
- Enhanced technology: The RCMP will work with Alberta Justice and Solicitor General and other partners to explore new ways of using technology to target rural crime, including bait programs.
- Public education and engagement: The RCMP will engage and educate Albertans about crime prevention.
The AAMDC is pleased by the Government of Alberta’s commitment to addressing rural crime, and looks forward to working with Alberta Justice and Solicitor General, the RCMP, and other partners in implementing the action plan.
Enquiries may be directed to:
Wyatt Skovron
Policy Analyst
780.955.4096
Tasha Blumenthal
Director, External Relations and Advocacy
780.955.4094