The RCMP in Alberta along with Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, Kathleen Ganley, and President of the Cochrane Foothills Protective Association, Rosemary Lindsay, went on a tour of the RCMP Airdrie Detachment for a rare behind-the-scenes look at its specialized Crime Reduction Unit (CRU).

The Southern Alberta District CRU is one of four district teams that operate across the province.

These specialized units are the cornerstone of the Alberta RCMP’s Crime Reduction Strategy launched late last year.

The strategy is an intelligence-driven policing approach that enables officers to identify repeat offenders, conduct targeted enforcement initiatives and, through collaborative relationships with community partners and public agencies, addresses the root causes of criminal behaviour.

Although the Southern Alberta District CRU has only been operational since February 6, and it has made 30 arrests and laid a total of 234 charges.

The unit has also recovered valuable stolen property including a tractor and a truck worth a combined $235,000.

From January to April, there has been an 8 per cent year-over-year decrease in property crime in Southern Alberta.

The $10 million investment from the Government of Alberta and the joint seven-point strategy announced in March has enabled the Alberta RCMP to fully establish district-level CRUs.

The units are made up of seasoned officers, crime analysts and civilian staff, recruited from across the country, who have the investigative and operational skills required to effectively implement the Alberta RCMP’s Crime Reduction Strategy.

“Albertans deserve to live in safe communities," said Kathleen Ganley, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General. "And that’s why we announced a seven-point strategy to combat rural crime last month."

She adds the $10-million action plan is already making a significant, immediate difference in the lives of rural Albertans.

"Across this province, Crime Reduction Units are arresting repeat offenders, laying charges, and recovering stolen property – and this important work will continue. I want to commend the RCMP for their diligent work day in and day out to keep Albertans safe.”

Deputy Commissioner Todd Shean, Commanding Officer, Alberta RCMP adds he is proud of the hard work each Crime Reduction Unit is delivering in their respective district and of the impact they have already made.

"Crime Reduction Units, both at the district and detachment level, are working diligently to keep Albertans safe in their communities," said Shean. "Repeat offenders in Alberta will have no place to hide. Our Crime Reduction Units will find and arrest those individuals who hurt our communities the most.”

Rosemary Lindsay, President, Cochrane Foothills Protective Association adds her group proudly supports the Crime Reduction Unit’s work and strategies.

"Our members act as an extra set of eyes and ears for the RCMP, providing them with information critical to their investigations. We encourage everyone to be alert, if you see something – say something. You don’t know what piece of the puzzle you may be providing.”