Provincial and Federal Support for Policing, Crime Prevention and Community Safety Services
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) urge the Government of Alberta to establish a Commission or Board with a clear mandate to encourage improvements in dealing with top priority issues as it relates to improving Policing, Crime Prevention and Community Safety Services in Alberta.
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT AUMA urge the Government of Alberta to establish a funding model that reflects Policing, Crime Prevention and Community Safety Services priorities.
WHEREAS the current funding models for Alberta municipalities reflect varying levels of Provincial and Federal support for Policing, Crime Prevention and Community Safety Services depending on the type and size of the municipality;
WHEREAS the current funding model is not reflective of the urbanization of rural municipalities and the economic capacity of municipalities to pay for policing services;
WHEREAS there is a wide range of support provided by communities for Police, Crime Prevention and Community Safety Programs and initiatives across the Province and an inconsistent approach that creates gaps and confuses public profiles;
WHEREAS there is limited focus on creating cross border, regional services or programs that would enhance public safety in an area;
WHEREAS the system needs to consider the needs of all types of municipalities across the province; and
WHEREAS the interest of all municipalities is to have a greater capacity to ensure community safety and to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all citizens.
Justice and Solicitor General - October 30, 2012
Municipalities, as the closest level of government to the citizen, are in the best position to work with local groups to establish effective community-based crime prevention and reduction programs. We believe that intergovernmental and community-level partnerships are integral to this work, and as such, we welcome the opportunity to explore ways for the AUMA and other stakeholders to have meaningful input into crime prevention and community safety at a provincial/strategic level.
AUMA considers this response.