Alberta to expand Indigenous police services

Alberta is investing in and further expanding Indigenous police services including hiring a total of 15 new police officers for three First Nations police service units in the province.

This funding includes Lakeshore Regional Police Service, Blood Tribe Police Service, and Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service which currently serve seven First Nation communities, according to a provincial release.

“I am proud to support more officers for First Nations policing, change chiefs have asked for from Alberta’s government. Indigenous-led services like these are important for self-determination and reconciliation,” said Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations.

The province is also providing an extra $150,000 to make up for the short-term gaps due to the wait for the reforms to take effect and a recruiting strategy for new officers, says the release.

Each of the police services will receive 5 officers who will be phased in over the next four years.

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“I applaud the Government of Alberta for their leadership in funding our police services. Tsuut’ina takes great pride in the professionalism of our police. This funding will ensure that our service will be sustainable into the future and will grow with our community,” said Chief Roy Whitney of the Tsuut’ina Nation.

“Albertans should be proud that their provincial government takes community policing seriously. This funding announcement is tangible proof of that. The next step, however, is to legislatively recognize our police services as essential services,” said Whitney.