The provincial government's announcement that it plans to spend $10 million to hire more RCMP officers, civilian staff and Crown prosecutors in the province is welcome news -- especially if those new employees help reduce crime here.
The seven-point action plan includes $8 million for 39 new officers, 40 civilian staff and $2 million to hire the additional Crown prosecutors and creation of a police intelligence team.
As Olds RCMP Staff Sgt. Jim MacDonald notes in a story in this issue of the Albertan, we could certainly use the help. Virtually any Olds resident can tell you they've noticed an increase in the crime rate over the past few years.
Anything that helps existing officers to get out on the street dealing with crime rather than spending time filling out paperwork is worth trying.
