The province will add 100 more police officers to its ranks this year, fulfilling its promise to add 300 officers over three years.
“Times have changed since I made that promise,” Premier Ed Stelmach said during a press conference at the Alberta legislature yesterday. “But one thing that hasn’t changed is Albertans’ desire to feel safe, to feel secure in their homes and in their communities.”
“Alberta is a safer place because of the addition of 300 new officers and the excellent work done by police everyday,” Stelmach said.
Of those 100 new officers, 35 are being added to Edmonton and 41 are being added to Calgary.
“It makes an impact on our communities, it helps to reduce crime and it makes Albertans feel safe,” Solicitor General Frank Oberle said of the additions.
Funding has also been allocated to add police in smaller communities, such as Camrose, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.
Oberle said the additions send a clear message to criminals.
“We’re making it harder for criminals to do business in Alberta,” Oberle said. “There is strength in numbers.”
