Alberta Justice Minister Kaycee Madu's launch of the first phase of a unique integrated rural policing initiative got off to a rocky start with the province's First Nations saying they weren't consulted and may not allow officers on reserves. Madu on Thursday announced the Rural Alberta Provincial Integrated Defence (RAPID) initiative. The province's fish and wildlife officers, and later sheriffs, will respond to emergency and high-priority calls in rural Alberta — but only when asked to by the RCMP. "With RAPID response, highly trained and professional peace officers will work across rural Alberta to answer the call when police need to help save precious minutes in an emergency." The Confederacy's concerns are echoed by the Assembly of First Nations Alberta Branch.

Source: CBC News April 02, 2021 12:56 UTC