Alberta has taken another step toward a new municipal policing model with the appointment of Sat Parhar as the first chief of the Independent Agency Police Service (IAPS). The IAPS is expected to eventually take over many of the duties currently carried out by Alberta Sheriffs, and will function as an independent Crown corporation under the new name Alberta Sheriffs Police Service with its headquarters in Calgary.The agency is designed to give municipalities an alternative to existing law enforcement options, including the RCMP.Parhar, who brings over 25 years of policing experience and most recently served as deputy chief with the Calgary Police Service, will lead the development of the IAPS as it transitions from concept to an operational force. .Smith says support for Alberta independence at all-time high.“This is about getting good policing for those areas that are currently being policed by the RCMP,” Smith told the Western Standard when asked if the Alberta police force would help pave the way for the independence movement. “There's 80% of people who already have a local police service and municipal force, but we have vacancies that have resulted in a delay in response times — sometimes for days, sometimes issues not getting followed up on at all — and that's not delivering good policing.”“That's what this is about, is to fill some of those gaps, which we've already done. We have a scan force under the sheriffs, which shuts down drug houses.”Smith elaborated the new model will still work with the RCMP on collaborative projects and areas where they have expertise.“I think that I'm just mindful that the federal government issued a white paper saying that they think that the role of the RCMP should change, and so that means that we've got to ensure that we don't have any gaps,” she said. “That's what this is making sure our rural communities get the response time that they deserve.”.WATCH: Smith calls for Alberta firearms licence exclusive of federal government .His early tasks include hiring an executive team and shaping the agency’s policies for recruitment, training, and operations.It will maintain civilian oversight and operate independently from the provincial government.Premier Danielle Smith said the appointment is a milestone in providing municipalities with “a real choice” in how they deliver public safety.“This is about building a modern police service that reflects the priorities of Albertans,” she said, highlighting the goal of improving response times, especially in rural areas..Stockwell Day backs Alberta vote on independence, cautions Conservatives about split.Mike Ellis, minister of public safety and emergency services, said Parhar’s leadership would help shape a service that is “responsive, transparent and dedicated to fostering trust and collaboration.”Parhar said he is honoured to lead the new agency and is focused on professionalism, partnerships, and reflecting community priorities.The IAPS was established following the 2024 passage of the Public Safety Statutes Amendment Act.Jack Van Rijn, mayor of the Town of Coaldale, said municipalities deserve options in how policing is delivered, especially smaller ones. “For us, this is about fairness, sustainability, and ensuring municipalities have access to policing solutions that reflect both their needs and their realities,” he said.
