Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services made a stop north of Airdrie on Thursday to announce that $4.3 million in funding has been invested in the Alberta Sheriffs to fight rural crime.
Minister Ellis made the announcement in Carstairs alongside Mayor, Lance Colby, saying that the investment supported the establishment of two plainclothes teams – one in northern Alberta and one in southern Alberta – to support police in carrying out surveillance on criminal targets in rural areas.
"Both teams are now fully staffed and operational, ready to fight crime in rural areas across Alberta," a provincial press release stated.
These rural surveillance teams will work to prevent crime, monitor agricultural theft and work in collaboration with local law enforcement to share intelligence and resources to keep Albertans and their property safe and secure.
"The addition of two new surveillance teams will further support our law enforcement partners in stamping out criminal activity in Alberta’s rural areas," said Minister Ellis. "This is about supporting local investigations to address local crime in our smaller communities. Together, both teams will form another key component of Alberta’s efforts to combat crime and ensure Albertans feel safe at home and in their communities, regardless of where they live."
According to the province, while the Alberta Sheriffs have an existing surveillance unit that is part of the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) and focuses mainly on serious and organized crime investigations, these new teams will fill a gap by helping rural RCMP detachments with local investigations.
Mayor Colby reacted to the announcement on Thursday, saying it was a positive step forward, especially for residents in rural areas.
"Targeting known criminals is a very effective way to reduce the level of crime taking place and will greatly assist the RCMP who have a vast area to police."
Mike Letourneau, Superintendent of Alberta Sheriffs said that through their specialized knowledge, training and experience, Alberta’s new surveillance teams are providing another important mechanism in the fight against crime in Alberta’s rural communities.
"Working in close collaboration with the RCMP and other policing agencies, their efforts will play a key role in gathering evidence and information that will help disrupt crime throughout the province."
According to the province, the new surveillance teams are part of a suite of measures to expand the role of the Alberta Sheriffs and make Alberta communities safer.
"Other actions include the expansion of the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit – which uses legal sanctions and court orders to target problem properties where illegal activities are taking place – and the expansion of the RAPID Response initiative with funding for the Sheriff Highway Patrol to train and equip members to assist the RCMP with emergencies and high-priority calls."
Alberta RCMP said that they were happy to hear about increased resources being allocated to assist the communities.
"Addressing rural crime is one of the top priorities of the Alberta RCMP, and our partners at the Alberta Sheriffs already play a vital role in keeping Albertans safe. The creation of these new surveillance teams will help augment our ongoing crime reduction strategies in Alberta communities, and we look forward to working with them going forward," said Trevor Daroux, Assistant Commissioner and Criminal Operations Officer of the Alberta RCMP.
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