The Alberta government is investing $8.3 million into the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) to help curb violent crime in the city.

The announcement comes on the heels of recent incidents at some malls in the city: West Edmonton Mall went into lockdown for the second time this year on Dec. 2 after a dispute involving a firearm took place in the mall, and a shooting at Kingsway Mall happened a few days and one person in went to the hospital.

According to Statistics Canada's Crime Severity Index 2022, crime rates in Edmonton continues to be over the national average and has increased by 4.6 per cent since last year.

The funding will bring in 50 new officers, as EPS is looking to put more boots on the ground throughout the city. Funding will also help pay for officer salaries and benefits, and equipment needs like vehicles, uniforms, radios and body-worn cameras.

The 50 officers will frequent high-crime areas, which include the downtown core and transit centers.

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