Alberta introduces bill to transition sheriffs into new provincial police service

The Alberta government has tabled legislation that would shift approximately 1,200 Alberta Sheriffs employees into a newly created provincial police agency, marking a significant step in the province’s ongoing discussion about the future of policing.

If passed, the bill would establish the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service and allow it to assume local policing responsibilities currently provided by the RCMP, should municipalities choose to opt in. The proposed model is designed to give communities the option of moving away from federal policing services toward a provincially managed force.

Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis said the legislation would also create a formal pathway for existing sheriffs to receive additional training required to become sworn police officers. The government has indicated that the transition would expand the scope of duties currently performed by sheriffs, who are primarily responsible for court security, prisoner transport and certain traffic enforcement roles.

The move comes amid broader provincial discussions about policing costs, accountability and local control. Municipal leaders across Alberta have previously raised questions about how a provincial police service would be funded and how it would compare to the RCMP in terms of resources and oversight.

The legislation is expected to face debate in the legislature in the coming weeks, with opposition parties calling for further clarity on operational details and financial implications before any transition proceeds.