Minister Kaycee Madu with RCMP Const. Scott Hearn, sheriff highway patrol officer Mike Overly and fish and wildlife officer Andy Nestorovich. (Photo Courtesy Government of Alberta)

By Chris Brown

Beginning July 1

Province expands Rural Alberta Provincial Integrated Defence Response initiative

Jun 25, 2021 | 2:04 PM

The province is expanding the Rural Alberta Provincial Integrated Defence (RAPID) Response initiative to include about 260 Sheriff Highway Patrol officers.

As of July 1, Alberta sheriffs will have the authority to investigate a wider range of traffic-related occurrences including impaired driving and criminal offences they encounter in the course of their duties.

The RAPID Response initiative is intended to reduce police response times in rural Alberta.

“We know Albertans have been frustrated with response times in rural areas, and we are committed to making sure they feel safe and protected in their communities,” says Kaycee Madu, minister of justice and solicitor general in a release. “More boots on the ground means authorities can respond more quickly when Albertans need them. It will also deter crime and make our highways and communities safer.”

In April 140 officers from Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services were given expanded roles and authorities. It allowed them to respond to requests from the RCMP to be first at the scene of an emergency in cases where they are closer than police. Fish and wildlife officers will also respond to RCMP requests for backup, which could involve helping the police locate suspects or preserve a crime scene.

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Currently, RAPID Response covers most areas of rural Alberta policed by the RCMP. The government is holding a series of meetings with First Nations and Métis leaders to determine their interest and earn their support before expanding RAPID Response to their communities.