Edmonton Police Commission Member Posting
June 15, 2022
Job Number: 43196
Get the inside scoop on this exciting opportunity by listening to John McDougall, Chair of the Edmonton Police Commission, and Jodi Calahoo-Stonehouse, an Edmonton Police Commission Member, in this exclusive podcast (bit.ly/3m6nhks). In the conversation, John and Jodi walk our listeners through the exciting work the Commission does and highlight some key competencies that will position future members for success. To view a transcript of the recording, visit (bit.ly/3tc1c81).
The Role
The Edmonton Police Commission (the Commission) is committed to making Edmonton a safe and vibrant city today and in the future. The Commission oversees the police service, ensuring professional and ethical policing to the citizens of Edmonton. The Commission creates an essential balance between public accountability and police independence. Through the Chief of Police, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is held responsible by reporting organizational performance to the Commission, a non-political body appointed to represent the citizens of Edmonton.
Established under the Police Act, the Commission serves as an important link between the police service and the municipal and provincial levels of government. While the Commission is appointed by and accountable to City Council, the Commission functions as an independent governance and oversight body. The Commission is comprised of a maximum of 12 members, two of whom may be Councillors or employees of the City. At a strategic level, the Commission recognizes that policing is dynamic and must be responsive to emergent community needs and crime trends. The joint success of the Commission and the EPS will be measured by the suppression of crime, a reduction in disorder, an increase in traffic safety and a high level of public confidence in the EPS.
The Edmonton Police Commission is a legislated public body established under the Police Act and City of Edmonton Bylaw 14040. For more information related to the Edmonton Police Commission Strategic Plan 2019-2023, visit EPC 2019-2023 Strategic Plan (https://bit.ly/3rkkXJu)
Commission Responsibilities
The Commission has a unique relationship with Edmonton City Council and it exists, in part, to ensure an arm’s length relationship exists between the Edmonton Police Service and the political decision making process. The Commission is responsible for:
- Allocate the funds provided by Council;
- Establish policies providing for efficient and effective policing;
- Issue instructions, as necessary, to the Chief of Police in respect of the established policies;
- Ensure that the Edmonton Police Service employs sufficient persons for the purposes of carrying out the functions of the Police Service;
- In consultation with Edmonton Police Service management, establish policing priorities and participate in strategic planning for the Police Service in Edmonton;
- In consultation with the Chief of Police, prepare estimates of all money required for each fiscal year and a yearly plan specifying the level of police service and programs to be provided in respect of the municipality.
- Appoint the Chief of Police, subject to ratification by City Council;
- Appoint a public complaint director;
- Receive public complaints;
- Monitor the public complaint process;
- Carry out independent reviews of public complaints made as to the policies of or the services provided by the Edmonton Police Service, or the actions of a police officer;
- Consider appeals of the Chief of Police’s decision in complaints as to the policies of or the services provided by the Edmonton Police Service; and
- Review complaints against the Chief of Police.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience and/or education in one or more of the following areas:
- Information Technology – knowledge and/or experience in the management of large complex IT projects, IT Governance and/or enterprise business systems transformation
- Communications – knowledge and/or experience in communications, public relations, marketing and/or social media
- Understanding of public accountability and scrutiny in a political setting
- Training, education or experience enhancing knowledge and understanding of equity-deserving or marginalized groups is a requirement
- Demonstrated understanding of racism and discrimination as it pertains to law enforcement
Assets
- Relevant lived experience and understanding of diverse and marginalized communities
- Training in anti-racism, anti-oppression and/or harm reduction
- In depth of knowledge, education and experiences of working with Indigenous Peoples
Term of Office
- The term of office for a person appointed to the Commission is two (2) years
- City Council reviews reappointments following the member’s term, in consultation with the Chair of the Commission
- Members can serve a maximum of six (6) consecutive years
- All members are required to sign an Oath of Office upon appointment
Time Commitment
Members spend about 50 – 80 hours per month on Commission business, which can increase substantially depending on the circumstances. The Commission meets as a whole on a monthly basis and there are standing committees that meet monthly or bi-monthly. The regular meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of every month. The session normally begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends by 6:00 p.m. If required, supplementary meetings are held monthly. The standing committees include Finance & Audit, Governance, Human Resources, and Professional Standards and meet Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.
Compensation
Commission members are compensated with honourarium for duly recognized meetings of the Commission or its committees and other activities as set out in the honourarium policy. Compensation is fixed by Council. Members receive $150 for meetings under 3 hours; $300 for meetings over 3 hours. Members are also compensated for expenses reasonably incurred in the course of doing business on behalf of the Commission.
To Apply
Applicants will be asked to do the following in complete confidence:
- Apply directly to the City of Edmonton website
- Submit a cover letter summarizing the value and contribution that you will provide to the Commission and your interest of why you would like to serve in this role
- Submit a current resume outlining your career, board and volunteer expertise
- Submit three letters of reference that can verify your suitability for the Commission
Note
- Applicants must be 18+ years of age
- As per City Policy C575D, Agencies, Boards, Committees and Commissions, City of Edmonton residency is a consideration rather than mandatory
- A successful enhanced security clearance and criminal records check will be requested of applicants shortlisted for interview
- Edmonton Police Commission COVID-19 Vaccination Policy (https://bit.ly/3KI9KtT)
- Talent sourced through this process may be considered for future vacancies for the Edmonton Police Commission
Posting Expiry
July 12, 2022 11:59 PM (MDT)
The Edmonton Police Commission is committed to cultivating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable culture. The Commission welcomes diverse applicants regardless of their identity factors, including, but not limited to race, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic origin, age, and ability, and encourage applications from all interested individuals.
If you would like to discuss how your competencies may align with these positions or have any questions about the process or posting, please email leadershiptalentacquisition@edmonton.ca.
Classification Title: Edmonton Police Commission Member
Posting Date: June 14, 2022
Closing Date: July 12, 2022 11:59 PM (MDT)
Number of Openings (up to): 2 – Ongoing Part-time
Union: Management
Department: Edmonton Police Commission