Stettler Town Council has approved a new bylaw in response to provincial requirements for civilian police oversight.
Council gave all three readings to the policing committee bylaw during its regular meeting on Oct. 7.
The committee will oversee municipal police service agreements, develop community safety plans and act as a liaison between the local RCMP detachment, council & residents.
The move follows Alberta’s Police Amendment Act, passed in 2022, which requires all municipalities to form civilian oversight bodies by the end of 2025.
Council voted on July 8 to establish the committee, with the administration seeking ministerial approval on July 17 to opt out of a regional policing committee.
Approval to proceed with a municipal committee was granted on Sept. 8.
A draft bylaw reviewed by committee of the whole on Sept. 9 proposed a three-member structure consisting of two councillors & one public member-at-large.
Appointments to the new policing committee are expected to be made at the town’s organizational meeting on Oct. 28, following the election.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
