The Town of Strathmore is looking to create its own Municipal Policing Committee.
Back in 2022, the Police Amendment Act was updated, which brought changes to policing in Alberta. One of the changes involves all municipalities being required to establish policing committees.
Depending on the population, a Municipal Policing Committee or Regional Policing Committee may be created.
The plans to introduce a policing group were brought up to council.
"If council recalls, administration has contacted Minister Ellis' office to request permission to opt out of the Regional Policing Committee and form our own Municipal Policing Committee," said Mark Pretzlaff, director of community and protective services with the town.
Although council is waiting for a response from Minister Ellis, the town is required to join a committee in some form by March 1.
The role of the group is to represent the interests and concerns of the public while developing a yearly plan to outline policing priorities.
The committee can consist of five people, with one required to be a member of town council. One of the committee positions may also be used for a youth representative.
The bylaw will be read to council at the February 19 meeting.