Government increases funding to fight organized and serious crime

Budget 2016 includes a $2.6 million increase for Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) to continue fighting crime across Alberta.

The increase means ALERT will be able to maintain all its policing positions. ALERT will receive a total of $29.1 million in provincial funding.

“This government knows the valuable work ALERT does to help make our province safer each day. With urgent issues like the deadly impacts of fentanyl, we felt it was critical to maintain ALERT’s integrated approach to crime.”

Kathleen Ganley, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General

“The funding increase allows ALERT to continue our pursuit of organized crime, and tackle serious crime related to gang violence, fentanyl trafficking, and child exploitation. The 2016-17 budget ensures ALERT can maintain a full complement of police officers working these types of investigations.”

Supt. Charmaine Bulger, CEO, ALERT

“ALERT plays a critical role in the fight against organized crime, drugs, gangs, and child prostitution. The budget increase will sustain the current level of law enforcement resources. We hope the province will ensure that in the long term, funding keeps pace with service demands.”

Lisa Holmes, President, Alberta Urban Municipalities Association

Along with increasing funding for ALERT, 40 sheriff positions in the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit and the Sheriff’s Surveillance Unit have moved to the Justice and Solicitor General department. The transfer of the sheriffs, who will continue the work they are doing now, will enable ALERT to use its budget to focus on its core mandate of fighting organized and serious crime.

Quick facts

• ALERT is the umbrella organization of an integrated, provincially-focused law enforcement unit that promotes safe and secure communities in Alberta.
• ALERT was established in 2006 and represents an integrated model of specialized service delivery in a multi-jurisdictional capacity. Its operations are conducted in a regional manner, not hindered by municipal boundaries.

• The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit targets and shuts down properties that are regularly used for illegal activities such as drugs, gangs, and prostitution.