Reporting processes are essential to the effective management of the Edmonton Police Service (Service) and assists in obtaining the oversight objectives of the Edmonton Police Commission (Commission) in operating in an open and transparent fashion.
Timely and accurate information must be shared with all stakeholders, including the public, regarding the business and service objectives of the Edmonton Police Service.
Definitions:
Reports for Information: When the purpose of the report is to inform the Commission about an issue or upcoming event, but no input or decision is required, the report is for information. Information may be given in written form prior to or verbally during a meeting, or by circulation.
Reports for Discussion: When the report is intended to generate feedback from the Commission on a particular strategic issue, initiative, idea, or plan but no decision is required, the report is for discussion. Written background material must be included to ensure meaningful consideration and effective use of time.
Reports for Decision: When the Chief requires an action from the Commission on a report it is placed before the Commission for a decision. The report must also include background information and clearly stated recommendations.
Guidelines:
- Reports may be placed on a meeting agenda, referred to a Commission committee and/or circulated to Commissioners for information.
- The Chief of Police (or designate) will indicate if the report(s) is/are for information purposes and/or for discussion indicating that the report is intended to generate feedback and/or the report requires a formal decision by the Commission.
- On reports that require a decision by the Commission the Commission may:
a) Postpone a decision to a specific time to allow for further study;
b) Receive the report for information without committing to specific action(s);
c) Approve the proposed recommendations;
d) Return the report to the Service with specific instructions on further work required; or,
e) Refer the report to a Commission committee or Commission staff member for further study, clarification, or further recommendations. - All Service reports must clearly specify the level of confidentiality of the information contained in accordance with the requirements of the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act;
- The Chief of Police will provide reports to the Commission on all instances of the following:
- Control tactics, such as:
- firearm deployment or discharge;
- Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) deployments;
- canine deployments;
- baton deployments;
- oleoresin capsicum deployments; or
- any other exceptional use of force.
- Criminal flight;
- Proposed additions or significant modifications to existing lethal and non-lethal weapons used by the service;
- Edmonton Police Service officers that are being investigated for misconduct and/or facing criminal and/or disciplinary charges, including the outcome(s) of these proceedings;
- Complaints about the policies and/or service provided by the Edmonton Police Service as well as the outcome(s) of any such complaints; and
- Major policing events as outlined in Policy 2.2.3 – Major Policing Events.
- Control tactics, such as:
- The Service will also provide regular reporting on the following:
a) Financial reporting on operating and capital budgets;
b) Internal audit reports;
c) Continuity of operations;
d) Strategic plan, business plan, and corporate performance reports;
e) HR reports such as, but not limited to, attrition reporting, EDI framework, OH&S updates, and succession planning; and,
f) Other information as requested by the Commission. - The Commission will have a process in place for reporting both the Commission’s and Service’s achievements to its stakeholders.
Procedures:
- Commission administration will track all reports requested by the Commission and will update the list as necessary.
References:
1. Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
2. EPC policy 2.2.3 – Major Policing Events