February 8, 2010
Questions and Answers: Integrated Traffic Units
1) Which of the four pilots was selected?
Of the four pilots, the one conducted in Wetaskiwin was found to be the best way to enforce traffic safety.
The four pilots were:
- Whitecourt tested giving sheriffs and RCMP equal responsibilities.
- Wetaskiwin had traffic operations overseen by an RCMP supervisor.
- Airdrie had sergeants report to managers in their respective agencies. 
- Olds model used only traffic sheriffs to enforce traffic safety.
2) Why was the Wetaskiwin model chosen?
Evaluation showed that the Wetaskiwin pilot worked best to improve traffic enforcement on Alberta’s highways. It found:
- Integrating traffic resources improved the efficiency and effectiveness of traffic services units.
- RCMP and traffic sheriffs worked well together in integrated units.
- Integrated RCMP and traffic sheriffs:
- improved the quality of traffic investigations and enforcement coverage,
- increased enforcement visibility on highways, which brought speeds down, and
- made it easier to handoff Criminal Code investigations to the RCMP.
3) Is this a move away from sheriffs?
No. Integration means that both RCMP traffic service and traffic sheriffs will work together. Each organization will maintain its own identity.
4) Will some communities will lose traffic services?
No. Traffic enforcement will not decrease, and it may be enhanced.
5) Will traffic sheriffs see their authorities increased?
Traffic sheriffs will continue to enforce provincial statutes only. As peace officers, sheriffs do not have the authority to conduct Criminal Code investigations unless assisting at the request of police.
6) How will integration work?
Traffic operations in Alberta will be directed by an RCMP officer in consultation with a dedicated management team from the sheriffs. Traffic sheriffs will continue to report to Solicitor General management on administrative matters (labour relations, training, hiring, discipline, performance reviews, etc.)
7) How can having integrated traffic units in fewer locations provide enhanced service?
Integrating traffic resources ensures there will always be enough officers to field a reasonable enforcement team for programs such as Checkstops, vehicle equipment safety checks, and aggressive driving operations. Over the long term, driver behaviour will begin to improve as law enforcement vehicles are more visible and more prevalent on Alberta’s highways.
8) Are there extra costs associated with integration?
Initial start-up costs include IT and equipment. Long-term efficiencies will come through reducing duplication of infrastructure.
9) Where will the integrated traffic service detachments be located?
Traffic enforcement will be integrated in the following 19 locations:
Media inquiries may be directed to:
