5.3.3 COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA RELATIONS

The Edmonton Police Commission (Commission) is committed to the fundamental principles of accountability and transparency. These principles are essential to ensuring effective governance and building public trust. To that end, and where appropriate, necessary, and advisable, the Commission will provide accurate, credible, and timely information to the media and other stakeholders.

Guidelines:

1. Commissioners will fully uphold the Code of Conduct for members, specifically the sections that pertain to communications and media relations:
   1. Section 2: At all times conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful and courteous of other Commissioners, Commission staff, members of the Edmonton Police Service, and the public.
   2. Section 9: Not speak to the media on behalf of the Commission unless delegated to do so by the Commission Chairperson. The Chair will be the spokesperson for the Commission. Delegation of this authority may be made from time to time to designated members of the Commission.
      • If speaking to the media in their individual capacity, individual Commissioners must notify the media that they are not speaking as a spokesperson for the Commission.
      • A Commissioner who expresses disagreement with a decision of the Commission shall make it clear that the member is expressing a personal opinion, and not the opinion of the Commission.
   3. Section 10: Keep confidential any information discussed at an in-camera or closed meeting.
   4. Section 15: Avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest.
2. The release of information by the Commission will comply with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and associated regulations.
3. The Chair of the Commission shall be considered the Commission’s spokesperson for all media inquiries. When the Chair is unavailable, the Vice Chair will be considered the spokesperson.
4. In special circumstances, the Commission may designate another Commission member to act as spokesperson for the Commission.
5. When a media inquiry is made with respect to factual information on decisions made by the Commission, the Executive Director may provide this information to the member of the media.
6. The Executive Director will serve as liaison between members of the media and the Commission when requests are received for interviews or comments.
7. The Executive Director will provide the Commission assistance and advice in areas related to communication planning, stakeholder relations, issues management, public engagement, and digital media (website and social media).
8. The Executive Director will manage the effective and appropriate use of the Commission’s brand and visual identity.
9. The Commission will establish a yearly communication plan for furthering stakeholder and public relations.
10. All inquiries regarding the activities of the Edmonton Police Service, particularly those of a sensitive nature, will be handled by the Service as per EPS policy – Media and Police Relations IS7PO.

Procedures:

1. Administration will send all media releases to the Chair in advance of their release.
2. Administration will distribute Commission position statements and key messages developed for specific topics and issues to all Commission members.

References:

1. Appendix C – Edmonton Police Commission Code of Conduct
2. EPC Policy 4.1.2 – Roles and Duties of the Chair of the Commission
3. Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, RSA 2000, c F-25
4. EPS Policy IS7PO – Media and Police Relations Policy