MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - A resolution proposed by Clearwater County and seconded by Mountain View County regarding policing in rural Alberta passed at the recent Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) convention.
It calls on the government to implement the operational provincial police advisory board to ensure small and rural communities served by the RCMP under the provincial police service agreement are equally and fairly represented.
Mountain View County Reeve Aalbers says approval of the resolution is a significant step toward ensuring the safety and security of area residents.
“In rural municipalities like ours, law enforcement plays a pivotal role in maintaining peace and order,” Aalbers told the Albertan. “This resolution calls for a more comprehensive and collaborative approach to policing, addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by rural communities.
“A provincial police advisory board will foster better communication between law enforcement agencies and local governments, contributing to more effective and responsive policing services for our citizens.”
Under the Police Amendment Act, the provincial board’s mandate would include making recommendations on province-wide policing priorities.
In 2020, the government established the Alberta Police Interim Advisory Board to represent small and rural municipalities under the provincial police service agreement.
Based on stakeholder feedback, the interim board developed eight municipal policing priorities and related recommendations to inform discussions on provincial policing priorities.
The priorities were grouped by themes: systemic resource constraints; crime reduction and prevention; outcome accountability; and social justice.
If approved by the province, the operational provincial police advisory board would replace the interim board.
