For the first time in the history of the Calgary Stampede, provincial sheriffs and city police are joining forces under a formal agreement to ramp up security and curb rowdy behaviour at the annual exhibition.
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Alberta minister of public safety and emergency services Mike Ellis announced Monday that Alberta Sheriffs Chief Sat Parhar and Calgary Police Service Chief Katie McLellan will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) this week.
The agreement will establish a joint team of sheriffs and police officers dedicated to patrolling and monitoring high-traffic Stampede tents, including popular venues like Cowboys. The joint forces will monitor activity both inside and outside the venues.
The provincial intervention follows significant pushback from local residents regarding crowd chaos during last year’s festivities. According to Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas, city hall received hundreds of complaints last year citing property damage, public disorder, and excessive intoxication spilling into neighbourhoods surrounding the grounds.
“This kind of nonsense is unacceptable,” Ellis said in a statement. “That’s why we’re expanding our law enforcement presence to protect nearby residents and ensure all Calgarians and visitors have an enjoyable Stampede experience.”
The province did not disclose the exact number of officers being deployed under the new agreement but stated the sheriffs are being brought in to directly augment and support Calgary Police Service resources.
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