Calgary police to temporarily take command of peace officers after provincial request – Calgary [Video]

Calgary community peace officers will temporarily fall under the command of the police service after a request from the provincial government to municipalities across Alberta in an effort to tackle the distribution of fentanyl.

On Feb. 14, Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis sent a letter to cities, towns and police chiefs across the province, including Calgary and Edmonton, asking for deployment of community, bylaw and peace officers to be led by the police on a temporary basis.

In that confidential letter, obtained by Global News, Ellis said the effects of fentanyl and illicit drug use have given rise to “serious health and wellness issues,” and as minister, he is “obligated to take steps to address these issues.”

“I am formally requesting that you immediately begin working with the police leadership in your area to align or unify the operational command of your community peace officer program under the leadership of the …