Alberta gov’t creates independent, provincewide crime prevention task force
Alberta’s government is investing in front-line crime prevention by funding Alberta Crime Stoppers for the first time.
Crime Stoppers will use the $850,000 over the next three years to continue its crime prevention efforts and create an independent, provincewide crime prevention task force. The investment was endorsed by rural and urban police chiefs and will help to fight crime across the province at a community level.
Crime Stoppers’ track record shows its value in assisting Alberta law enforcement. In 2020 alone, Crime Stoppers received 18,000 tips that led to 400 arrests, 1,724 charges laid and the recovery and seizure of $4.3 million in cash, drugs and stolen property.
“Successful crime prevention requires the involvement of communities, and Crime Stoppers has done tremendous work encouraging citizens to take an active role in preventing and reporting crime. This funding will ensure they can continue helping to keep Alberta’s neighbourhoods safe.”
Tyler Shandro, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General
“Crime Stoppers is a valuable resource for the Edmonton Police Service. Thanks to this partnership, they have become integral in assisting our service in solving crimes in our communities. Their collaboration is fundamental to our success.”
Dale McFee, chief of police, Edmonton Police Service
“For the past 40 years, Crime Stoppers has played an integral role assisting law enforcement in solving and preventing crime. We are grateful to the Government of Alberta for their support so that we can continue to help our police partners reduce crime and make our communities safer.”
Mark Holik, provincial director, Alberta Crime Stoppers
Quick facts
• Canada’s first Crime Stoppers organization was founded in Calgary in 1982.
• Alberta Crime Stoppers has four chapters: Southern Alberta, Calgary, Central Alberta, and Edmonton and Northern Alberta.
• The $850,000 in provincial funding will be provided over three years: $350,000 this year and $500,000 over the next two years.
• Crime Stoppers is a not-for-profit, volunteer-led organization that provides Albertans with the ability to provide police with anonymous information about crime or potential crime.