Crime rates in Alberta have fallen to their lowest point in five years, according to Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux, Commanding Officer of the Alberta RCMP.
Daroux points out that statistic as the Alberta Next Panel releases its recommendation to create a provincial Alberta Police Service — a proposal that has sparked widespread discussion across the province.
Daroux says decisions on the future of policing ultimately rest with the provincial government, but stresses that the RCMP remains firmly focused on serving Albertans.
“What we do control is how we serve. And that will continue to be our focus,” Daroux said. He emphasized that RCMP employees — both frontline and behind the scenes — continue to show professionalism, compassion, and resilience despite uncertainty surrounding future policing models.
RCMP presence across Alberta
Through its contract with the province, the Alberta RCMP provides policing to roughly 20 per cent of Albertans living in rural communities, and another 20 per cent through municipal policing agreements in centres such as Red Deer and Brooks.
In total, the RCMP serves about 40 per cent of Alberta’s population across 95 per cent of the province’s geography.
Challenges
Recruiting and retention remain ongoing challenges, but Daroux says progress is being made. Since April 2024, the RCMP has received more than 4,600 applications, helping bolster staffing levels across Alberta communities.
Funding Model
Daroux also addressed questions about Alberta’s Police Funding Model, noting that while it is administered by the provincial government, RCMP operations have benefited from the additional resources it provides. Those funds have supported the addition of 279 police officers, including 136 in detachments, and 242 civilian positions, with 77 supporting detachment operations.
The investments have allowed the RCMP to modernize operations — including building a Real-Time Operations Centre, expanding the drone program, increasing investigative capacity, and adding a third specialized Emergency Response Team.
According to Daroux, these advancements played a crucial role in the swift resolution of a recent dangerous incident in the County of Grande Prairie, highlighting their direct impact on community safety.
Unwavering commitment
Daroux acknowledged the uncertainty that many communities — and RCMP employees — feel as discussions continue over Alberta’s policing model. But he reassured Albertans that their safety remains non‑negotiable.
“Albertans can be confident that their safety is not a matter for debate and will not be compromised,” he said, adding that the RCMP will continue modernizing operations, strengthening frontline capacity, and delivering effective, responsive policing. Regardless of what is ultimately decided, our priority remains unchanged… the people of Alberta.”
Daroux became the 27th Commanding Officer of the Alberta RCMP on Aug. 7.
Alberta Next
The Alberta Next Panel also made recommendations on pensions, taxes, immigration, and constitutional powers. Premier Danielle Smith says the government will review the panel’s report in the coming months before making any decisions.
