Alberta Sheriffs make hundreds of arrests during initial months of Fugitive Apprehension team

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on September 18, 2024.

news@medicinehatnews.com

Sheriffs in Alberta have made 303 arrests and executed more than 1,300 warrants during the first seven months of the creation of the Fugitive Apprehension Sheriffs Support Team.

The province invested $2.6 million in the apprehension project that allows Alberta Sheriffs to share intelligence and information with police services to track down and arrest high-priority fugitives.

Eighty-five per cent of arrests made so far have been on Tier 1 fugitives who are considered the most dangerous and prolific offenders. The apprehension team focuses on violent offences and crimes involving harm to people.

“Alberta’s government is committed to doing whatever it can to ensure Albertans are safe and protected in their communities, no matter where they live,” said Mike Ellis, minister of public safety and emergency services. “We’re continuing to find new and innovative ways to support the work of police services and put more boots on the ground across the province by leveraging the expertise and professionalism of the Alberta Sheriffs.”

Increased collaboration between the 14 sheriff members on the apprehension team and local police services ensures local operations are supported tactically for high-risk arrests.

Working with police the team tracks and arrests a variety of wanted individuals including escaped prisoners as well as sentenced offenders on release, parole or probation who violated conditions and people who have violated bail conditions or fail to appear for court.

“Every day, dedicated members of the Alberta Sheriffs across the province work to protect Albertans in many ways, like patrolling our highways, conducting surveillance on criminal targets, providing security at courthouses,” says Mike Letourneau, Alberta Sheriffs superintendent. “We are proud to add fugitive apprehension to this list of important tasks and are eager to support our policing partners in our shared mission of keeping Albertans safe.”

The 14-member team is split and based in both Calgary and Edmonton with seven members in each city, and provides support to all police services throughout the province.

“Accused criminals must have their day in court – and violent repeat offenders must be held accountable for their crimes and returned to custody when justice demands it,” says Ellis.

11
-10