At its regular meeting July 13, Peace River town council was addressed by its director of Protective Services to provide advocacy to the Government of Alberta.
The request was for council to advocate to the government to allow community peace officers (CPOs) to receive authority to carry a Conductive Energy Weapon (CEW), known commonly as a taser, under Alberta legislation.
“Community peace officers have experienced significant growth in 2025 dealing with encampments, trespassing, public intoxication, disturbances, traffic enforcement bylaw, and assisting RCMP,” says director of Protective Services Daniel Cress.
“So, increasing response involves violent, aggressive, intoxicated, and mentally distressed individuals where officers are currently using our verbal communications, hands-on, pepper spray, and baton.”
Cress says balancing the potential benefits versus risk, the Protective Services department feels the ability for CPOs to receive authorization and training for the use of CEWs would be beneficial and would increase officer safety.
“CEWs provide an intermediate force option,” says Cress.
“It gains control of the subject, reducing the likelihood of injury to us. Currently, the Alberta peace officers, so that is the sheriffs, RCMP, and municipal police are authorized to carry CEWs within Alberta.”
Cress adds court sheriffs just got permission to carry CEWs within the last six months.
“The benefits of CEWs for CPOs is enhanced officer safety, reduces injury, adds a de-escalating tool, increases public safety and reduces workers compensation,” says Cress.
Cress says basic cost to purchase the tasers, provide training, and get all the accessories to go with the holsters will be about $15,000 for three CPOs.
“I think if we could also go one step further when we got to Alberta Munis and have a chance to talk to some of the ministers, I would suggest we take it there as well,” says Mayor Shelly Shannon.
“I think society has changed to a point where this has become necessary now.”
Council decided unanimously to direct administration to send a letter to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services advocating for an amendment to the provincial legislation to allow CPOs be authorized carriers of CEWs.
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter