As Alberta's government advances plans to potentially replace the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with a provincial force, the head of the RCMP in the province is emphasizing his commitment to serving its communities. Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux, completing his first year leading the Alberta RCMP's K-Division, says his priority remains "the people of Alberta" regardless of the political debate surrounding policing's future.
Navigating a Political Landscape
The United Conservative Party government has long explored transitioning to an Alberta provincial police service. This effort gained formal momentum with the work of the Alberta Next Panel (ANP), chaired by Premier Danielle Smith, which released its report in late December 2025. The panel, which included UCP MLAs, industry representatives, and a retired judge, recommended the province move forward with creating its own police service.
Daroux, who assumed command in August 2025, operates under a federal-provincial policing contract that still has six years remaining, with any changes requiring a two-year notice period. He states his focus is on modernizing and improving RCMP services for the Albertans they serve, which includes approximately 40% of the province's population.
The RCMP's Footprint in Alberta
The Alberta RCMP provides a significant range of law enforcement services across the vast province. They police rural communities encompassing about 20% of Albertans. Through municipal contracts in cities like St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Red Deer, and Spruce Grove, they serve another 20% of the population. In total, the RCMP's jurisdiction covers 95% of Alberta's geography, an area of over 660,000 square kilometres.
"We talk about modernizing policing, and that's where it sits, right? How do we provide better services?" Daroux said in a recent interview, framing the core question of his leadership amidst external pressures.
A Historical Echo in Policing Debate
The current discussion about a provincial police force is not without historical precedent. Alberta's policing responsibilities have shifted between federal and provincial authorities before. Upon entering Confederation in 1905, the province initially contracted with the Royal North-West Mounted Police. It later established the Alberta Provincial Police, which separated from the federal force on April 5, 1917, during the First World War.
The ANP's recent report suggests the government should work with municipalities to transition to a provincial or local police model on a "cost-neutral or better basis." The panel also indicated it would later determine which of its sweeping recommendations, including on policing, might require a public referendum.
Despite the uncertain political horizon, Deputy Commissioner Daroux's message to Albertans is one of steadfast dedication. "I want to reassure our communities that regardless of what is ultimately decided, our priority remains unchanged," he stated, underscoring that the safety and security of the province's residents is the unwavering mission for him and the officers of K-Division.
