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National Police Federation releases data on policing in Alberta

Aug. 27, 2024, Edmonton, Alta. – The National Police Federation has released their first survey results since the independent Alberta police service was announced earlier this year. This public opinion research from independent research firm Pollara Strategic Insights, shows support for members of the Alberta RCMP and differing levels of awareness, engagement, and support for a new independent police service.

This survey of 1,200 Albertans, conducted for the NPF by Pollara Strategic Insights in June 2024, reflects that Albertans are highly engaged in issues of public safety in their communities and care about investing in resources for existing services.

While the government is laying the groundwork for an independent police service, the research affirms that these new proposed changes to policing remain deeply unpopular, with half of Albertans opposed to a new police service and a quarter unsure. With affordability being a major concern for Albertans across the province, an unwanted and likely costly new duplicative policing service appears to place narrow political interests ahead of the broader public needs.

“This research is a positive reflection of our Members and the critical work they are doing in Alberta,” said Brian Sauvé, President and C.E.O. of the National Police Federation.

“Coupled with surging recruitment and the RCMP’s ability to deploy Members to communities across Alberta, now is the time for government to capitalize on this strong momentum. We encourage the Government of Alberta to listen to their residents and prioritize investment in the highly trained, professional provincial policing service accountable to Albertans: the Alberta RCMP.”

Research findings included:

• 84 per cent of respondents agree that there are more important priorities in Alberta right now than changing who polices local communities.
• 87 per cent of respondents agree that before any changes to municipal policing, there needs to be detailed accounting of costs and impacts on service levels.
• 86 per cent of respondents want to retain the RCMP, some with local improvements.
• 77 per cent of respondents, in RCMP-served communities, are satisfied with the policing service they receive.
• 73 per cent of respondents are satisfied with the RCMP’s response to natural disasters such as wildfires and floods.

Consistent with previous waves of research, Albertans proudly support the Alberta RCMP; about four out of five Albertans in RCMP-served communities are satisfied with their policing. These research findings also come at a time when RCMP recruitment has seen a significant resurgence, with applications exceeding 17,500 for the 2023/24 fiscal year – an 80 per cent increase compared to years previous. The RCMP’s Experienced Police Officer Program has attracted more than 600 officers. In Alberta, K Division is seeing roughly 200 applicants a month – up 52 per cent from last year.

In light of this data, the NPF is urging the Government of Alberta to halt the creation of a new independent police service and focus on strengthening and investing in the current policing services that are already trusted and supported by Albertans.

Any changes to the police service delivery model should be made transparently, with public consultation, and only when there is clear evidence that proposed changes would improve public safety without imposing an unnecessary financial burden on taxpayers.