The regulations define further details regarding important aspects of the Independent Agency Police Service.
In Spring 2025, the Government of Alberta (GOA) passed Bill 49, the Public Safety and Emergency Services Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, which makes further legislative amendments for the creation of the independent agency police service, now called the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service (ASPS).
The regulations for this new police service were recently released and provide further context for the duties and functions of the different policing committees, board of directors, and oversight board. These regulations further confirm some of the concerns that RMA has with the ASPS, including:
- Extensive Ministerial authority over appointments, financials, and general oversight;
- Lack of value placed on community input; and
- Absence of engagement with municipalities about how the ASPS will work in practice.
Many aspects regarding the implementation of the ASPS also remain unknown, including how it will be funded, how it will work alongside other police services and policing committees, and the effects it will have on the Police Funding Model.
RMA has created a resource to help members better understand Bill 49 changes and advocate for answers to pertinent questions that will affect communities. RMA is committed to keeping members informed on any updates made regarding this issue.
Kallie Wischoff
Policy Advisor
825.319.2245
kallie@rmalberta.com
Wyatt Skovron
General Manager of Policy & Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@rmalberta.com