Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach announced the province is adding 183 new police officers as part of a comprehensive counter attack in the ongoing war against gangs and drugs. However, while he announced yesterday that a significant bulk of the new resources will go to Calgary and Edmonton there was little if any mention of how many will be dedicated to Red Deer and Central Alberta. But in his announcement the premier did say plans are being finalized for the placement of 20 officers for RCMP municipal policing priorities. [continues 531 words]