New proposed legislation aims to ensure a smooth transition from the Alberta Sheriffs to the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service (ASPS).

If passed, Bill 15 — the Public Safety and Emergency Services Statutes Amendment Act, 2026 — would help prevent disruptions to law enforcement operations and protect public safety during the transition. The legislation would also create a streamlined pathway for eligible sheriffs to become ASPS police officers, supporting recruitment efforts and accelerating the development of the new service.

“Criminals are becoming more sophisticated, and we’re meeting that threat head-on by transforming the Alberta Sheriffs into a modern police service,” said Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services. “We are putting more boots on the ground and giving our officers the high-tier training they need to combat the complex crime facing our province today. We aren't just filling gaps; we are building a coordinated powerhouse that puts law-abiding Albertans first.”

As part of the transition, sheriff peace officers who currently perform police-like duties would be eligible to pursue careers as ASPS police officers, subject to training and qualification requirements. Other sheriffs would remain in their existing peace officer roles to maintain operational coverage across Alberta.

The Alberta Sheriffs are currently government employees, while the new ASPS would operate as an independent Crown corporation. Bill 15 would allow for the transfer of unionized and non-unionized staff into the new structure while maintaining employment continuity and stability.

“By welcoming experienced sheriffs into the ASPS, we are able to grow our capacity while maintaining the essential peace-officer duties Albertans rely on every day,” said Sat Parhar, chief of the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service.

The proposed legislation also includes amendments to the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act (SCAN Act), Alberta’s legal tool for addressing properties linked to criminal activity. If passed, ASPS officers would be empowered to enforce the act provincewide.

Quick Facts

• The Alberta Sheriffs currently employ approximately 1,200 individuals.
• The transition to the ASPS would include peace officers, civilian staff and management positions.