Alberta towns are urging the provincial government to enhance police services in remote and rural areas. The call for action, initiated by Clearwater County, was endorsed at the Rural Municipalities of Alberta convention following concerns raised by residents about escalating rural crime rates.
Residents are demanding improved policing to reduce response times, as prolonged delays give criminals ample opportunity to commit crimes like burglaries and vandalism. Statistics Canada data indicates that rural crime rates in Canada, particularly in the Prairies, consistently surpass urban areas. This is not the first time the RMA has addressed rural crime; a similar resolution was passed in 2018.
The resolution was prompted by worries voiced by Nordegg community members, located around 300 kilometers southwest of Edmonton. Residents, including Roy McConnell, the president of the Nordegg Community Association, have highlighted the challenges they face due to extended police response times. While specific statistics for Nordegg were not provided, RCMP data shows an average response time of under 28 minutes for Priority 1 and 2 calls in the Rocky Mountain House detachment.
Nordegg, like several small communities, experiences an increase in property crimes during the colder months when many homes are left unoccupied, making them easy targets for theft. To combat this, residents are resorting to installing security cameras and securing valuables indoors.
Efforts to address rural crime include the Alberta government’s plan to establish a provincial police force, as recommended in a 2021 report. McConnell expressed openness to both a provincial force and continued RCMP services, emphasizing the necessity of investing in community protection.
Increasing police presence in rural areas not only aids in curbing crime but also helps rebuild trust between residents and governmental bodies. The Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services in Alberta emphasizes a zero-tolerance stance on crime, with investments in new surveillance teams to support RCMP detachments in rural regions.
The province remains committed to utilizing all resources to ensure the safety and security of all Albertans, regardless of their community’s location.