Alberta has a new team of sheriffs the province says will help address rural crime.
The province announced the new team of four investigators on Friday, as part of the Alberta Sheriffs’ Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit.
The new sheriffs will be stationed in Red Deer and will assist local law enforcement in central Alberta between Ponoka and Olds.
The province said the team, like other SCAN units in Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge, has expertise in investigating and shutting down problem properties.
“The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act holds property owners accountable for activities on their property that threaten public safety, said RCMP assistant commissioner Trevor Daroux.
“Alberta’s SCAN teams support policing efforts by addressing illegal activities on these properties. This additional team will enhance RCMP community safety programs.”
Since May, the province says seven problem properties have been closed: Three in Calgary, two in Lethbridge, and one each in Spruce Grove and Medicine Hat.
“More often than not, we see individuals in these problem properties carrying out drug operations and other criminal activities beside homes, schools, playgrounds and other places where Albertans’ safety should never be in question,” said Alberta Sheriffs superintendent Mike Letourneau.
“Crime has no place in any Alberta neighbourhood, and we look forward to working with our policing partners in the Red Deer area to help keep central Alberta communities safe.”