AUPE calling for sheriff raises following fugitive apprehension team’s success
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on September 19, 2024.
news@medicinehatnews.com Following praise given by the province, AUPE says Alberta sheriffs working with a seven-month-old Fugitive Apprehension Sheriffs Support Team should receive raises and be supported with additional resources for their work in keeping Albertans safe. Tuesday the province said sheriffs in Alberta have made 303 arrests and executed more than 1,300 warrants during the first seven months of a $2.6-million project to share intelligence and information with police services to track down and arrest high-priority fugitives. A total of 260 arrests made so far have been on Tier 1 fugitives who are considered the most dangerous and prolific offenders. “What is concerning is the government has made it clear that sheriffs are working in very dangerous situations but there has been no mention of ensuring this increased scope of work is appropriately compensated,” said Bobby-Joe Borodey, AUPE vice-president. Borodey says sheriffs are working alongside frontline police officers and should be compensated for the added “responsibility and measure of danger” included in the role. That role includes tracking and arresting wanted individuals, including escaped prisoners as well as sentenced offenders on release, parole or probation who violated conditions. “Sheriffs are already experiencing a huge wage disparity that must be addressed,” says Borodey. “I look forward to seeing the government’s plan regarding wage increases considering additional scope of practice.” 9-8
