An Alberta RCMP officer was seriously injured on Tuesday while responding to a mental-health related call in Thorhild, Alberta.
The National Police Federation (NPF) has since issued a statement saying police departments are underfunded when it comes to handling the mental health crisis.
“On Tuesday, February 7, one of our Members was seriously injured in an on-duty stabbing while attending a mental health-related police call in Thorhild, Alberta. This is yet another example of the real danger that our Members contend with every shift, putting their lives on the line to keep our communities safe,” said NPF president Brian Brian Sauvé.
“Against the backdrop of increasing demands and years of underfunding by all levels of government, our Members and all police officers have been shouldering the load for a high volume of mental health calls.”
Sauvé called on further partnerships between police services and mental health workers.
According to local reports, the officer sustained “serious, non-life-threatening injuries.”
“Redwater RCMP responded to a call for service at a residence in Thorhild. During the call, an officer was attacked with a knife and received serious, non-life threatening injuries,” read a press release.
48-year-old Cindy Chelsberg was arrested as a result of the incident and has since been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault of a peace officer, aggravated assault, obstruction and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
All levels of government are currently being pressed by policing and other organizations to immediately act to address rising incidents of violence and crime.
Last month, the Toronto Police Chief and the head of the Toronto Police Services Board urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to immediately implement changes to criminal laws and bail procedures in response to an increase in crime across Canada.
