Danielle Smith has announced that Alberta is officially establishing its own police

The Government of Alberta has announced the creation of the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service (ASPS), appointing former deputy Calgary Police Chief Sat Parhar to lead the new force.

The ASPS will be a provincial police service that can be contracted by municipalities for their policing needs as an alternative to the RCMP. This decision comes as the existing contracts between the RCMP and communities across Canada are set to expire in 2032, and Alberta is preparing for the possibility that the federal government may end its contract policing service.

The ASPS will be based in Calgary and will operate under civilian oversight. It is not intended to replace the RCMP entirely but rather to provide additional support and options for local policing. The new force will be responsible for duties such as inmate transportation, traffic enforcement, and investigating problem properties related to drug trafficking and gang activities.

Premier Danielle Smith stated that the goal of establishing the ASPS is to ensure that all residents of Alberta have adequate policing services close to home. The province has already received several inquiries from municipalities interested in the new service. The creation of the ASPS is also a strategic move to bolster Alberta's policing capabilities in anticipation of the 2032 deadline and potential changes in federal policing contracts.

Currently, Alberta has over 1,200 sheriffs, who are tasked with various roles including border security, which received an additional $29 million investment earlier this year. The expansion of the sheriffs' mandate to include a more comprehensive police service reflects the province's commitment to maintaining public safety and addressing potential future policing challenges. The decision is a significant step in the ongoing discussion about the future of policing in Alberta and how it aligns with the needs and preferences of local communities.