The Lethbridge Police Service has released its 2026 Annual Policing Plan and 2025 Annual Report, providing the community with an overview of organizational goals and recent safety performance. These documents, now available on the police service website, detail the initiatives guiding law enforcement efforts in Alberta this year.
The latest reports follow a period of measurable success for the organization. According to data from the service, crime in Lethbridge decreased by 16 per cent in 2024, contributing to an 18 per cent drop in the city’s Crime Severity Index. Specifically, significant reductions were recorded in several categories, including a 35 per cent decrease in break and enters and a 35 per cent drop in theft from motor vehicles. Other areas saw improvements as well, with sexual assault reports down 38 per cent and robbery cases declining by 15 per cent.
Beyond crime statistics, the service recently achieved full compliance with all 159 Provincial Policing Standards following an external audit. Public feedback also indicates growing support for the force, with a 2024 survey finding that 84 per cent of respondents were satisfied with police services. Additionally, 70 per cent of those surveyed reported feeling safe in the community, an increase from 65 per cent the previous year.
Operational updates included in the planning documents highlight the 2025 expansion of the Downtown Policing Unit, which added four officers to increase visibility and reduce harm in the city centre. Under the leadership of Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh, who has served in the role since 2020, the force continues to rely on oversight from the Lethbridge Police Commission. This nine-member civilian body, which includes citizen representatives and city council members, helps ensure the service remains accountable to the public.
The service also transitioned to a new oversight model in December 2025 with the launch of the provincial Police Review Commission. This independent, civilian-led agency has assumed responsibility for handling public complaints across the province. The police service currently employs more than 250 sworn and civilian staff, supported by nearly 100 volunteers, to serve the city’s population of approximately 101,000 residents.
