New Alberta plan pairs peace officers with local police to address drug crisis

Alberta Peace Officers Join Forces with Police to Combat Fentanyl Crisis

About 800 peace officers in 34 large and mid-sized cities across Alberta are teaming up with local police agencies to tackle the fentanyl crisis in the province. This new initiative, announced by Alberta’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis, aims to enhance coordination and data sharing among law enforcement agencies.

Ellis emphasized the importance of strategic planning and efficiency in addressing social and civil disorder issues related to fentanyl. While peace officers will not be granted additional powers, they will work closely with police officers and attend calls together to ensure a more cohesive approach.

Under a unified command system led by the police, various organizations involved in the initiative will collaborate on operations and planning. Interim Edmonton police chief Warren Driechel highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, emphasizing the inclusion of key city personnel in decision-making processes.

The initiative will involve month-long sprints where decision-makers from different agencies will convene to address deployments effectively. By sharing data, agencies can pinpoint problem locations and target areas with high levels of drug-related activity and violence.

While the timeline of the project remains unclear, Driechel expressed optimism about the enhanced coordination and visibility of law enforcement officers in public spaces. Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi acknowledged the progress but emphasized the ongoing challenges in combating the fentanyl crisis.

As concerns about drug trafficking persist, particularly at the Canada-U.S. border, Ellis clarified that the initiative aligns with Canada’s approach to addressing the drug crisis. Federal funds will be utilized to cover the overtime costs of peace officers involved in the initiative.

Professor Temitope Oriola of the University of Alberta emphasized the importance of multi-level government collaboration in addressing public issues. While boosting law enforcement presence is a positive step, Oriola underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to combatting the opioid crisis.

While law enforcement plays a crucial role in addressing drug-related issues, Oriola highlighted the need for holistic solutions that address addiction and societal problems beyond law enforcement’s scope. Social disorder, he noted, is a symptom of deeper societal issues that require a multidimensional approach.