Alberta took a new direction last week in municipal policing with creation of a new police service.
The Independent Alberta Police Service is intended to strengthen Alberta’s existing policing model and complement the province’s current police services, which includes the RCMP, Indigenous policing services and municipal police
“We promised to improve policing in the province so that it works better on the streets and behind the scenes,” Premier Danielle Smith said Wednesday. “We did that because Albertans deserve to feel safe no matter where they live.”
Smith said the decision is also based on the federal government’s review — and possible change — of the RCMP’s duties.
The provincial-federal police services agreement ends in 2032.
“I’m pleased to say we have taken some major steps to deliver on our promise,” Smith said.
Those steps include creation of the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service to be headquartered in Calgary.
Smith said the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service is not meant to replace the RCMP or any other police services.
“It will work alongside existing branches to fill gaps and ensure that resources are used efficiently,” Smith said.
The Alberta Sheriffs Police Service will be run independently of government, with civilian oversight.
Smith pointed out that more than 80 per cent of Albertans are already served by police agencies that are not the RCMP.
At a news conference in Coaldale, Smith introduced Sat Parhar as the first chief of the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service.
Parhar brings more than 25 years of policing experience, including senior roles with the Calgary Police Service, most recently as deputy chief.
“Chief Parhar has the right mix of experience and leadership to steer this new agency,” Smith said.
Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis agreed, saying Parhar has deep foundational knowledge of policing in Alberta and strong operational experience.
Ellis said Parhar will hire an executive team and start organizational planning such as developing key recruitment, training and other operational policies.
Ellis said Albertans expect that when they need the police an officer will be at their door quickly, and they don’t care what uniform that officer is wearing.
“We know that all police services do incredible work every day to protect Albertans,” Ellis said.
The Independent Alberta Police Service was created to enhance those efforts, Ellis said.
That is in response to requests from communities — particularly in rural areas — for more support, Ellis added.
Ellis also pointed to a federal government report that recommended the RCMP gradually withdraw from providing community policing services.
Parhar is excited to take on the new role as chief.
“It’s an honour to take on this role and help shape a modern police service built for Alberta,” Parhar said. “My focus from day one will be on setting high standards for professionalism, building strong relationships with our partners and ensuring this service reflects the needs and priorities of the communities we serve.”
