Bringing criminals to justice in Alberta

A Fugitive Apprehension Sheriffs Support Team (FASST) is being created to ensure that offenders accused and convicted of crimes are swiftly brought to justice.

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,” said Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis.

“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,” said Farooq Sheikh, chief, Alberta Sheriffs.

“These new resources will allow us to provide muchneeded 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