Edmonton, July 3: Alberta has formally unveiled its own provincial police force, marking a significant shift in its law enforcement structure. The newly established Alberta Sheriffs Police Service will be led by Sat (Satinder) Parhar, the former deputy chief of Calgary Police, who has been appointed as its inaugural chief.
The move reflects the provincial government’s long-standing ambition to reduce reliance on federal policing and enhance law enforcement tailored to local needs. With Parhar at the helm, the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service is expected to focus on community-specific policing, provincial enforcement mandates, and rural crime reduction.
Parhar brings extensive experience in policing and public safety, and his leadership is seen as a strategic step toward building an independent, responsive provincial force. The transition also underscores Alberta’s growing calls for autonomy in areas traditionally managed by the federal government, including justice and public safety.
The announcement has generated both support and debate, with proponents emphasizing localized control and critics raising concerns over costs and operational overlap with existing agencies like the RCMP.
