Alberta will appoint 100 new police officers in Calgary and Edmonton in an effort to improve public safety.

This was announced by Premier Danielle Smith in Calgary today, Tuesday, saying that the new street-level officers will be appointed over the next 18 months.

Smith added: "Safety on public streets is absolutely non-negotiable. We can address root causes like mental health and addiction at the same time, but we will not compromise security for all Calgary and Edmonton residents."

Smith also called on the federal government to reform the "broken bail system of arrest and release" to help the province in its fight against crime in the cities.

In addition to increasing the number of police on city streets, the province is also encouraging the City of Calgary and the City of Edmonton to transfer leadership and control of transit peace officers to Calgary and Edmonton police services.

This announcement comes a day after Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek revealed immediate measures being taken to reduce crime in Calgary Transit, including increased security guards and night patrols.

Also on Tuesday, the province announced a $5 million grant for each city, which officials say will help keep station platforms and vehicles clean and safe.

Alberta announces $8 million for police and crisis teams:

Today, Tuesday, Alberta also announced an investment of nearly $8 million over three years to increase the number of Police and Crisis Teams (PACT) in Calgary and Edmonton.

The PACT program combines police officers and mental health therapists from Alberta Health Services (AHS) to respond to 911 calls where there are mental health concerns.

Through funding, Alberta will add 12 new PACT teams in each city, doubling the number in Calgary from 12 to 24, and tripling them in Edmonton, where they will grow to 18.

In the same context, Mark Garner, Executive Director of Downtown Calgary Association, praised the provincial government's announcement and encouraged more enforcement in the downtown area to combat public safety issues.

Garner said that urgent changes are also needed in the form and appearance of downtown, adding that piles of garbage, dirty platforms, graffiti, and broken glass are a scene many Calgary residents dislike when traveling.