[citation needed] In April 1988, Court and Prisoner Security (CAPS) was formed to free up resources tied up in the operation of the Alberta justice system.

CAPS officers were stationed within the courthouses of Alberta being made up both of full-time salaried employees and part-time wage casuals who were only armed after training.

The culture within CAPS at this time was keep their organization and employment as armed special constables (the first for Alberta) from mainstream public knowledge.

Because of this and the fact that G8 summits have typically been the scene of multiple protests and demonstrations, special considerations were made in the interest of security.

Constables were provided for the security of the summit site; furthermore, CAPS was embedded with the Calgary Police Service (CPS) to aid in the transportation of mass arrests from the anticipated protest that could occur.

The solicitor general and minister of public security reviewed a number of law enforcement activities commonly conducted by fully trained police officers.

What followed was a massive increase in the size of the organization and the creation of specialized units such as Traffic Enforcement, Surveillance and Fugitive Apprehension.

Court Security and Prisoner Transport (formerly CAPS) was increased in size as well, finally taking over all courthouses within the province (small rural venues were still under RCMP control at this time), the creation of the Out-of-Province Escort Office for returning fugitives to Alberta as well as the implementation of perimeter security at major courthouse venues.

[4] On December 12, 2024 the government announced the creation of the Interdiction Patrol Team (IPT) under the auspices of the Alberta Sheriffs.

The IPT's primary responsibility will be to patrol a designated 2 km-wide zone along the province's 298 km international border with Montana.

Usually consisting of a primary and secondary officer, members assigned to this role perform escorts outside the province to return or transfer prisoners to and from Alberta.

In 2010 the section partnered with the RCMP in an MOU (memorandum of understanding) to form the Provincial Integrated Traffic Unit (ITU)[6] which operated together with STO until 2021.

[1] Is a specialized unit of the Alberta Sheriff's Branch that focuses on the apprehension of high-risk and violent offenders, including those who have fled from police custody or are wanted on outstanding warrants.