The Alberta government is introducing changes to the Police Act aimed at ensuring communities have a greater say in how they are policed by the RCMP. Amendments to the Act will establish mandatory civilian governance bodies for RCMP detachments serving communities with populations over 15,000.

The new governance bodies will be responsible for overseeing RCMP services in their areas. They will work closely with elected municipal officials to set local policing priorities, report on initiatives supporting those goals, and collaborate with authorities and local RCMP detachments to create safety plans.

Deputy Commissioner Rob Hill, commanding officer of the Alberta RCMP, said the changes align with ongoing efforts to give communities a stronger voice in shaping their policing priorities. “The Alberta RCMP welcomes any changes or enhancements to oversight and governance that help us meet the needs of the communities we serve,” Hill said.

Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis stated that the decision responds to a long-standing desire from Albertans to have more input in how the RCMP operates within their communities. “Unique communities have unique public safety priorities, and the creation of civilian governance bodies will address this issue,” said Ellis. “Creating mandatory civilian governance bodies also ensures accountability, as officers will be held responsible for their actions and behavior.”

Under the new requirements, communities with municipal policing contracts must appoint municipal policing committees to oversee the RCMP’s service delivery. These committees will ensure that policing goals reflect local needs and that police officers remain accountable to the residents they serve.

Harvard Media News has reached out to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) to gather more information on how these changes will affect the region and will provide updates as more details become available.