Alberta Names Former Calgary Deputy Chief to Lead New Provincial Police Service

Alberta has announced the formation of a new provincial police force, named the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service, with Sat Parhar, a 25-year policing veteran and former Calgary Police Service deputy chief, appointed as its first chief. The agency, established under Bill 49, will operate as an independent crown corporation with civilian oversight and is intended to provide municipalities the option to choose it over the RCMP for local policing. The new force will primarily draw officers from the Alberta Sheriffs, with about 600 sheriffs expected to transition into the police service after receiving appropriate training. Premier Danielle Smith emphasized that the service aims to build a modern police model reflecting local priorities, especially for rural communities, while Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis highlighted its role in complementing existing police services. The agency will focus on professionalism and community collaboration, with Parhar tasked with hiring an executive team and developing operational policies. The exact timeline and operational costs are still being finalized, but the new service is positioned as a key step toward enhancing law enforcement options and responsiveness in Alberta.