Police federation wants more RCMP officers in Alberta

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Southern Alberta Newspapers

The National Police Federation (NPF) is asking the provincial government to make room in its 2024 budget for the RCMP to be able to increase the number of officers serving Albertans.

NPF Prairie Region director Kevin Halwa told Southern Alberta Newspapers they are asking the UCP to invest $80 million over three years so the RCMP to be able to hire 400 officers to meet with population growth and future demand.

“There is also $4 million ask in grant funding support for the implementation of policing committees that the government wants in each community, as well as another $4 million to expand the regional police and crisis teams in partnership with Alberta Health Services,” said Halwa.

When it comes to the number of RCMP officers the NPF is asking the provincial government for funding through the budget, he explained why they are asking to fund 400 new positions.

“That’s based on the number of Albertans that are currently served by the RCMP and the appropriate ratio to serve them, using a formula that has been well thought out,” said Halwa.

He said RCMP members are responsible for upholding the safety of more than 1.5 million Albertans from the Rocky Mountains to the prairies, and yet last year’s budget only provided funds for Alberta Sheriffs.

These asks are incredibly important to look after and serve Albertans in a matter they deserve to be served, he said.