County Approves Policing Priorities and Tax Bylaw

Strathcona County council has approved the 2026-27 RCMP policing priorities, maintaining focus on property crime, family violence, traffic safety, and drug enforcement. The decision follows the most extensive public consultation on policing in five years.

Council voted unanimously to adopt the priorities after hearing from RCMP officials, county administration, and members of the Municipal Policing Committee. This civilian oversight body was established under amendments to Alberta's Police Act to strengthen community-centred policing.

More than 1,295 residents participated in an online policing survey conducted earlier this year, marking the highest response in five years. Property crime and crimes against persons again ranked as residents' top concerns, while impaired driving and traffic enforcement rose in importance compared to previous surveys.

Superintendent Barry LaRocque, officer in charge of the Strathcona County RCMP detachment, emphasized the importance of defined priorities. "Annual policing priorities ensure local policing is focused, accountable and aligned with community needs," LaRocque told council. "Without defining priorities, it is much harder to measure whether policing is effective."

Under the approved plan, RCMP enforcement targets for impaired driving will increase by 25 per cent, with additional checkstops and enhanced officer presence on local roads. The county has also passed its tax rate bylaw as part of the municipal budget process.

The approved priorities reflect both crime data and public perception, ensuring that local policing resources are directed toward the issues that matter most to Strathcona County residents.