PROVINCE GETS TOUGH ON CRIME

Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach announced the province is adding 183 new
police officers as part of a comprehensive counter attack in the
ongoing war against gangs and drugs.

However, while he announced yesterday that a significant bulk of the
new resources will go to Calgary and Edmonton there was little if any
mention of how many will be dedicated to Red Deer and Central Alberta.

But in his announcement the premier did say plans are being finalized
for the placement of 20 officers for RCMP municipal policing priorities.

"I am confident our plan provides a road map to make our communities
safe and strong," said Stelmach, adding the province's war against
gangs and drugs is being "elevated to a new level."

"The infusion of officers sends a clear message to those who have no
respect for the law, and to those who use violence and intimidation
as tools for criminal businesses," added the premier. "The clear
message is that we are coming after you."

Red Deer city RCMP Supt. Brian Simpson said he was pleased the
province was serious with its ongoing commitment to fight gangs and
drugs, and that the community will embrace ownership over the issue.

"This is a step forward in dealing with the enforcement end in
dealing with the gang issue which is significant in the province, and
also to that end I see another message. It is important for us to own
our communities and not to allow these gangs to take over," said Simpson.

"I am hoping we will be part of this process at the end of the day as
we are the third largest municipality in Alberta."

Simpson said he did not feel slighted that the city was not specified
as a municipality that would benefit with increased resources.

"I don't think we have been overlooked. I know from discussions that
we are being given due consideration."

Simpson noted the provincial government has recently funded three
police officer positions for the detachment, the first time it has done so.

The province's new initiative will also see four new dedicated gang
enforcement teams established across Alberta.

Criminal Intelligence Service Alberta will also receive 14 new
positions while the Integrated Child Exploitation Unit will receive
two positions.

Stelmach said the province is also working on other crime fighting
strategies, such as the Gang Crime Suppression Initiative, where
several government ministries are developing plans for intervention,
prevention and awareness.

The premier also noted the government has recently announced it will
be adding 110 probation officers across the province over the next three years.

Stelmach said his government will soon be unveiling detailed plans
for the Safe Communities Innovation Fund, a $60 million fund he said
will benefit all Alberta communities.

As well, the premier vowed the government will also target the
"serious problem" of repeat offenders through a new initiative that
will better integrate the efforts of police, Crown prosecutors and
probation officers.

Simpson said while the province's announcement of increased resources
is good news for everyone it is not the only solution in battling
gang and organized crime violence.

"Obviously the province is taking this issue seriously, and policing
is part of the solution but it is not the whole solution. The whole
community has to be part of the solution," said Simpson

"As an individual citizen in our community we all have an obligation
to be involved, to deal with this issue and not be afraid to call the
police and not be afraid to step forward when you see an issue of
concern. By turning a blind eye we allow it to flourish and that is
the worst thing that can happen."