The RCMP has hired 76 new police officers, with additional resources for 2020-21, in response to the Alberta government’s new policing model.
Fifty-seven new civilian positions will also be added.
“The RCMP is committed to working in partnership with our communities to ensure Albertans feel safe, in their homes, in their backyards, and in their farmyard,” said Deputy Commissioner Curtis Zablocki, commanding officer of the Alberta RCMP.
“The new funding will allow us to directly and indirectly support frontline policing by adding new police officers and support positions in our detachments, ultimately benefiting the communities we serve across Alberta.”
In central Alberta, 10 new frontline police positions will be added.
The RCMP has filled 25 frontline police positions in Alberta rural communities, and 18 centralized police officer positions to provide support and specialized services to all rural Alberta RCMP detachments.
“Rural Albertans asked for action against rising crime, and our government responded with Alberta’s largest single investment in policing since the RCMP’s March West,” said Doug Schweitzer, minister of justice and solicitor general.
“Putting more boots on the ground in rural Alberta will help protect residents and ensure they feel safe in their communities.”