Officials in Red Deer, Alta., are taking new measures to combat the growing problem of organized crime in their community.

This month the city will dedicate 15 law enforcement officers to its own Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team, otherwise known as a provincial ALERT unit assigned to tackle serious organized crime.

Recent statistics point to a high crime rate, but police say the majority of violent crimes are gang related.

"Within the seven large municipalities, Red Deer is the only community that doesn't have an up and running ALERT team," said Supt. Warren Dosko of Red Deer RCMP.

"That really was for geographic reasons because we're so close to Calgary and Edmonton that we were able to draw on those resources … at times of need. But I think the issues within the Red Deer area have grown to where it's time to establish a full ALERT team within Red Deer."

Dosko spoke with Calgary Eyeopener host David Gray about the initiative.

• To hear the entire interview, click on the "Listen" button above.