EDMONTON, AB, Aug. 27,
2024 /CNW/ - The National Police Federation is
releasing our first survey results since the independent
Alberta police service was
announced earlier this year. This fresh public opinion
research from independent research firm Pollara Strategic
Insights, reaffirms support for Members of the Alberta RCMP and highlights low 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 include:
- 84% of respondents agree that there are more important
priorities in Alberta right now
than changing who polices local communities.
- 87% of respondents agree that before any changes to municipal
policing, there needs to be detailed accounting of costs and
impacts on service levels.
- 86% of respondents want to retain the RCMP, some with local
improvements.
- 77% of respondents, in RCMP-served communities, are satisfied
with the policing service they receive.
- 73% 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 4
out of 5 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%
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% 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.
About the National Police Federation:
The National Police Federation (NPF) represents ~20,000 RCMP
Members serving across Canada and
internationally. We are the largest police union in Canada. The NPF is focused on improving public
safety for all Canadians, including our Members by advocating for
much-needed investment in the public safety continuum. This
includes investments in police resourcing and modern equipment, as
well as social programs including health, addiction, and housing
supports to enhance safety and livability in the many communities
we serve, large and small, across Canada.
For more information: https://npf-fpn.com/ and
KeepAlbertaRCMP.ca
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SOURCE National Police Federation