New proposed legislation is a key step in a smooth transition from the Alberta Sheriffs to the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service (ASPS).

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If passed, Bill 15, the Public Safety and Emergency Services Statutes Amendment Act, 2026 will ensure law enforcement operations are not disrupted and public safety is not compromised during the transition. It also creates a direct, streamlined path for eligible sheriffs to become ASPS police officers, supporting recruitment and accelerating the growth of the new police service.

"Criminals are becoming more sophisticated, and we're meeting that threat head-on by transforming the Alberta Sheriffs into a modern police service. We are putting more boots on the ground and giving our officers the high-tier training they need to combat the complex crime facing our province today. We aren't just filling gaps; we are building a coordinated powerhouse that puts law-abiding Albertans first and sends a clear message: if you threaten our communities, we have the specialized frontline capacity to stop you. This is about a safer, stronger Alberta - full stop."

Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

As part of the transition, sheriff peace officers who currently perform police-like duties will be eligible to pursue careers as ASPS police officers, subject to training and qualification requirements. This ensures officers have the appropriate training and authority under the Police Act to continue performing the same core policing functions they do today. Other sheriffs will remain in their existing peace officer roles to maintain full operational coverage across Alberta during the transition.

The Alberta Sheriffs are currently government employees, while the new ASPS will operate as an independent Crown corporation. Bill 15 enables a smooth transition of unionized and non-unionized staff from the existing structure into the new service, providing continuity for employees and ensuring policing and public safety operations continue without disruption as the ASPS is established.

"By welcoming experienced sheriffs into the ASPS, we are able to grow our capacity while maintaining the essential peace-officer duties Albertans rely on every day. Because sheriffs already perform many police-like functions, integrating them into the ASPS allows us to stand up the service faster and with a depth of experience that would take years to build through new hiring alone."

Sat Parhar, chief, Alberta Sheriffs Police Service

The proposed legislation also protects Alberta Sheriffs branch staff employment stability. During and after the transition, employees will continue to work under their current employment terms. This builds on legislation passed last year to ensure ASPS police officers have the ability to form their own police association to negotiate future collective bargaining agreements.

Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act

No one should feel like a prisoner in their own home due to criminal activity next door. The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Act is Alberta's most powerful tool for shutting down problem properties fueled by crime.

The proposed amendments to the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act will empower ASPS officers to enforce the act to protect communities and keep more neighbourhoods safe provincewide.

Quick facts

• The Alberta Sheriffs has approximately 1,200 employees.
• The transfer to the ASPS would include all peace officer, civilian and management positions.

Related information

• Strengthening policing and public safety laws