The National Police Federation (NPF) is calling for increased funding for Alberta’s RCMP.
The request comes after a Provincial announcement of new measures to strengthen Alberta’s criminal justice system and better deal with repeat and violent offenders.
The announcement by the government focuses largely on Edmonton and Calgary and the NPF notes it included no funding for Albertans living in communities served by the RCMP, or for RCMP detachments.
“Criminals should not be welcome in Alberta, and this should include communities policed by the RCMP and all police services,” said Kevin Halwa, Director, Prairie Region, the National Police Federation.
“All Albertans, including our Members, deserve the same level of support and funding as Alberta’s largest cities.”
While the NPF welcomes the initiatives that come against a backdrop of growing crime, it does not provide help for the entire province. The group notes that half of Albertans live outside Edmonton and Calgary.
“Despite Government’s new steps to protect urban residents, yesterday’s announcement included no funding for rural Albertans living in communities served by the RCMP, or RCMP Members who have repeatedly done more with less,” said Jeff McGowan, Director, Prairie Region, the National Police Federation.
The NPF is calling on the province to provide additional resources for more police officers and improved equipment for smaller cities and rural detachments.