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 11 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 committed to three strategic priorities:
- Setting the annual EPS policing plan
- Creating conditions for the successful implementation of the policing plan
- Providing oversight of the EPS, consistent with the values and priorities of the community
The achievement of these strategic priorities directly aligns with the four goals of the Edmonton Police Service:
- Balance Support & Enforcement
- Partner & Advocate
- Innovate & Advance
- Grow Diverse Talents
The Vision
Inspiring trust and innovation in policing and community safety through effective oversight.
The Mission
Oversight that drives:
- Conscious inclusivity
- Connecting with communities
- Committed partnerships
- Continual Accountability
- Creating a safe city
Scope and Accountabilities
The Edmonton Police Commission is a legislated public body established under the Police Act and City of Edmonton Bylaw 14040.
Commission Role
The Edmonton Police Commission provides civilian oversight and governance of the Edmonton Police Service. In carrying out its civilian oversight responsibility, the Commission shall do the following:
- allocate the funds that are provided by Council
- establish policies providing for efficient and effective policing
- issue instructions, as necessary, to the Chief of Police in respect of the policies to ensure that sufficient persons are employed for the purpose of carrying out the functions of the police service
Commission Responsibilities
In consultation with the Chief of Police, the Commission prepares estimates of all money required for the fiscal year and a yearly plan specifying the level of police service and programs to be provided in respect of the municipality. The estimates and plans are submitted to Council
- The Council is responsible for the total Police Service budget and the Commission is responsible for allocation of funds within the budget
- Subject to the ratification of Council, the Commission appoints the Chief of Police
- The Commission provides orders to the Chief only
- The Commission shall designate a person as a Public Complaint Director
- The Commission may conduct an inquiry into the Police Service or the actions of a police officer or a (civilian) employee of the Police Service
- With the consent of the Chair of the Commission, the Minister may direct an officer to serve in any part of Alberta
- The Commission appoints police officers and may delegate the appointment of officers to the Chief
- The Commission may terminate an officer for reasons other than disciplinary ones, subject to any applicable collective agreement
- The Commission may establish territorial jurisdiction of any police officer or the Police Commission
- The Commission may dismiss a complaint if it appears to the Commission that the complaint is clearly frivolous, vexatious or made in bad faith
- The Commission shall review appeals of complaints as to the policies of or services provided by the Police Service and take whatever it considers appropriate. The Chief of Police is accountable to the Commission for: the operation of the Police Service
- the manner in which the Police Chief carries out responsibilities under subsection
- the administration of the finances and operations of the Police Service in accordance with the yearly plan
- reporting to the Commission, any information about the activities of the Police Service that the Commission requests, other than information about individual investigations or intelligence files
- reporting to the Commission of any complaint made against the Police Service or its members and the manner in which the complaint is resolved
- Complaints about the Chief must be referred to the Chair of the Commission
- The Chair of the Commission refers complaints about the Chief to the Commission
- The Chief of Police and the Chair of the Commission shall, where appropriate, offer alternative dispute resolution to the complainant and police officer prior to commencing a formal investigation
- The Commission may attempt to informally resolve a complaint with respect to the actions the Chief of Police at any time before or during the investigation
- Where a police officer is suspended without pay, the Chief of Police must have that direction confirmed by the Commission within 30 days
Qualifications
:
- Demonstrated experience and education in one or more of the following areas: Financial and Business Acumen – understanding and experience with both operational and capital budgets;
- Legal – Administrative Law; Contract Law; and/or Employment Law
- Governance – knowledge and/or experience in governance and board operations responsible for a large organization
- Human Resources/Labour Relations – experience in a large complex organization with a diverse workforce, preferably in a professional and union blended setting
- Information Technology – innovation; data analysis and reporting; governance; policy development; and/or data driven decision making
- Understanding of public accountability and scrutiny in a political setting
- Significant practical management experience in a corporate environment
Asset
- Training, education or experience enhancing knowledge and understanding of an equity-seeking or marginalized group, including but not limited to Indigenous, racialized, sexual orientation, and gender identity would be considered an asset.
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 30 – 50 hours per month on Commission business, which can increase substantially depending on the circumstances. The Commission meets on a monthly basis. The regular meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of every month. The session normally begins at noon and ends by 6:00 p.m. If required, supplementary meetings are held. The standing committees include Finance & Audit, Governance, Human Resources, and Professional Standards.
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 you will provide to the Commission
- 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 and must be a resident of the City of Edmonton.
- A successful enhanced security clearance and criminal records check will be requested of applicants shortlisted for interview.
Posting Expiry
September 13th, 2020 11:59 pm MDT
For further information about the process or this posting, please contact Asha Wrightsell, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition, 780-819-0560
asha.wrightsell@edmonton.ca or James Mitchell, Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant at 780-496-7806 james.mitchell@edmonton.ca.
We are an equal opportunity employer.
We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
