Edmonton...Another infusion of frontline RCMP officers for rural communities, more Crown prosecutors and judges and a new initiative to prevent family violence homicides highlight a $74 million increase in funding to provide safer communities for Albertans.

Budget '06 provides a $6.1 million boost in funding to Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security, to add up to 80 new RCMP officers. This follows on the heels of the 130 RCMP officers added in Budget 2005 to help fight crime in rural communities.

"Our strong economy has benefited all Albertans but it has also attracted criminals," says Harvey Cenaiko, Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security. "More frontline officers along with additional resources to target organized crime and traffic safety enforcement complement the investment we made last year in safer communities."

To shorten lead times to trial and respond to an anticipated rise in cases due to an increase in police resources, Alberta Justice has received a boost of $7.9 million for prosecution and other legal resources. Many of the prosecutors will specialize in areas such as child exploitation, organized and economic crimes and family violence prosecutions.

A boost of $10.2 million has been allocated to the courts to maintain service levels in courtrooms and with the public at the counter. This includes funding to appoint new judges, front-line court staff and to enhance court operations.

"This funding well help us with our ongoing commitment to safer communities and faster, easier access to justice," said Justice Minister Ron Stevens. "It's our desire for these added resources to make a significant impact in the administration of justice and to enhance the public's confidence in the justice system."

The Alberta Government increased funding by $4 million, strengthening its commitment to reduce family violence. To prevent and better support those in need, the Alberta government is providing:

• Nearly $2 million for the Alberta Relationship Threat Assessment Management Initiative which will better coordinate police, legal, mental health and other experts to assess threats, manage victim safety and find ways to prevent domestic homicides.
• A $1.1 million boost to increase the supports Alberta Human Resources and Employment provides to help Albertans who have been in abusive situations make a fresh start.
• A $1 million increase to Alberta Children's Services to support community programs for family violence victims and to ensure emergency support and accommodation continues to be available to those escaping family violence.

"Our communities play such an important role in helping Albertans break the devastating cycle of family violence," said Heather Forsyth, Minister of Children's Services. "This year, we'll continue to support communities as they work to help victims of domestic violence, and break cycles of abuse."

A boost of $4.6 million to Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security will add new traffic safety enforcement positions as part of the province's Traffic Safety Plan to go after aggressive drivers and speeders who put the lives of other motorists at risk

In addition, Alberta's response to organized and serious crime will receive an injection of nearly $4 million dollars. Half of that money will be used to set up a 20-member Integrated Response to Organized Crime surveillance team as the province continues to identify, disrupt and dismantle organized crime networks. An $850,000 boost will establish a Correctional Services Intelligence Unit that will gather and share information with police on gang member activity in Alberta's correctional facilities.

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This news release is available on the Government of Alberta homepage at: http://www.gov.ab.ca

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