As crime continues to rise across Canada, Alberta’s government is taking action to apprehend criminals in the province before they can reoffend. Budget 2023 will invest $2 million into the FASST program. The team will help apprehend suspects wanted on outstanding warrants to ensure they are processed through Alberta’s justice system.
“With new funding in Budget 2023, Alberta is establishing this team to take away a threat that can affect any Albertan, regardless of the community they call home. FASST will play an essential role in arresting those who hurt others and ensuring that they see their day in court.”
Once operational, FASST will assist local police services in apprehending high-priority offenders, eliminating the risk they will reoffend and revictimize Albertans. The team will begin recruiting this year and hire 20 new full-time equivalents, keeping sheriffs where they are needed most.
“Alberta’s sheriffs are so proud of the work we do to keep Alberta families and their homes and communities safe during tumultuous times. These new resources will allow us to provide much-needed specialized supports across the province, as well as more safety and security when the people we serve need it most.”
As of February, there were 4,200 prolific violent offenders with outstanding warrants in Alberta. Ensuring these criminals are apprehended is an essential part of any justice system focused on protecting public safety. FASST will play an important role in promoting safe, secure communities. The support the team will provide in apprehending fugitives will free up other police resources to focus on priorities such as ongoing criminal investigations and community policing efforts.
Recruiting and training for the team will begin this fall, which is expected to be fully operational by March 2024.
Budget 2023 secures Alberta’s future by transforming the health-care system to meet people’s needs, supporting Albertans with the high cost of living, keeping our communities safe and driving the economy with more jobs, quality education and continued diversification.