Devon RCMP announces integration of police operations

DEVON -- The Devon RCMP has officially integrated its policing operations with the Parkland County detachment.

This follows the success of a recent pilot project which aimed to strengthen public safety in Devon through enhanced collaboration between the two detachments. According to the township, the merger is expected to provide Devon with additional resources, specialized support, and greater operational flexibility. Devon CAO Corey Levasseur says this will guarantee adequate staffing levels within the municipality.

"Sometimes there were absences, or off-duty sick time, and it seemed to impact the service," said Levasseur. "We saw some increases in overtime, and a decline in general of some of the RCMP members that serviced out community."

Under the new model, policing services in Devon will operate within the Parkland RCMP Detachment while maintaining a dedicated presence in the Town of Devon. Levasseur says that by working as an integrated policing team, officers can be deployed more efficiently, resources can be shared across municipal boundaries, and policing services can be adapted to respond more effectively.

"We really saw the value through the pilot project of integrating policing operations," said Levasseur. "It strengthens police presence and public safety through enhanced collaboration, and there's resource sharing."  

He notes that they decided to forge a collaborative partnership with the Parkland RCMP as opposed to the Leduc RCMP due to the Town of Devon's existing connection with the region. This has included various shared services, including an already in place partnership for fire services. One of the most significant benefits for Devon residents is the transition from overnight on-call policing to 24-hour, seven-day-a-week policing coverage under the integrated model.

"For Devon residents, this partnership means stronger, more coordinated policing while maintaining a dedicated RCMP presence in the community," said Devon Mayor Jeff Craddock. "By working more closely with the Parkland Detachment, our local officers have access to a broader team, additional resources, and greater flexibility to respond when and where they are needed. Ultimately, this strengthens our ability to provide consistent and effective policing and keep our communities safe."

During the course of the pilot project between the two detachments, Devon saw crimes against persons decrease by 15 per cent from January to May, including a reduction in robberies from three incidents in 2025 to zero in 2026. The Devon RCMP detachment office will remain open and active, providing front-counter services Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.