To provide independent civilian oversight and governance of the Calgary Police Service to ensure a safe community
Calgary Police Commission survey of Calgarians now underway
May 11, 2020
The Calgary Police Commission is conducting a telephone survey of Calgarians to understand how citizens feel about the Calgary Police Service. This includes hearing how citizens feel about the precautions CPS is taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while continuing to keep the city safe.
Independent research companies Illumina and Elemental are conducting the phone survey throughout May and June.
The survey is registered with the Canadian Research and Insights Council to allow individuals to verify the legitimacy of the project. To confirm this is a registered market research survey, visit https://www.canadianresearchinsightscouncil.ca/rvs/home/ and enter the Project Code 20200303-IL435.
For any other questions, please email cpced@calgarypolicecommission.ca
Letter to Calgary Police Service from the Calgary Police Commission
March 22, 2020
Dear Calgary Police Service members,
On behalf of the 1.3 million Calgarians we represent, we want to express our gratitude and appreciation for the work you are doing around the clock to keep all of us safe.
We know that the Calgary Police Service is always at the ready to respond to the greatest of challenges. We have not forgotten how your members worked tirelessly and braved the risks that their jobs require during the 2013 flood and how you eagerly offered assistance during the 2015 Fort McMurray wildfires.
We also know, however, that COVID-19 has challenged our city and country on an unprecedented scale, and that we are asking more of you now than ever before. In working to protect this city, you are facing the additional risks of exposure to the virus. At the same time, you have families and friends whose health and safety weighs on your minds.
This situation is testing the strength and spirit of all of us. Your ability to persevere during this challenge is a source of hope for those around you.
Circumstances like this make it clear that policing is not just a job. Policing is a selfless act of service to your community. It does not go unnoticed.
To the nearly 3000 CPS employees – sworn and civilian – who are playing a vital role supporting our community, we thank you for your service and commitment. And to the family members and friends who are supporting our CPS members, we thank you for your sacrifice.
If we could ask one more thing of you, it would be to take care of yourselves. Stay safe and healthy. Use the wellness supports available and speak up if there is anything else you need.
Your leaders are strong, experienced and well-organized and they are putting the needs of CPS members and the community at the forefront of every decision. You can have confidence that your leaders are highly committed to your safety and wellness. As they continue to work hard to support you, the Commission will have their back every step of the way. We must, and we will, make sure that you have the resources you need to continue to serve our community during this time of crisis.
Like the city itself, Calgary Police Service employees are resilient. Together we will overcome this situation and emerge stronger.
Bonita Croft, Chair - On behalf of the Calgary Police Commission
Update from the Commission
March 16, 2020
The health and safety of our staff, our CPS colleagues and our community is always our priority. To prevent the spread of this virus, we have made the difficult decision to close our office temporarily and until further notice.
Our staff are still working to support Commission operations and can be reached by phone or email. • If you have a general enquiry, please call 403 428-8914 or email cpced@calgarypolicecommission.ca • If you have a question about the complaint process or would like to file a complaint against a police officer, please email cpced@calgarypolicecommission.ca • Media seeking information or requesting an interview with the Chair can call the media line at 587-888-1345
The Commission still plans to meet with the Calgary Police Service on March 31. At this time, we are exploring options about how to hold this meeting in a way that respects Alberta Health Services and CEMA recommendations, while still ensuing citizens and media have access to discussions and decisions. We will provide an update as soon as possible.
The safety of CPS officers and transparency with the community will inform the decisions we make. We appreciate your understanding.
Public Meetings
Calgary Police Commission next public meeting:
Via teleconference only. Media will be invited to call-in.
Please Note: Calgarians still have an opportunity to be heard by the Commission. Please reach out to cpced@calgarypolicecommission.ca to discuss your options.
About the CPC
Mission Statement
To provide independent civilian oversight and governance of the Calgary Police Service to ensure a safe community.
Responsibilities of the Police Commission
The Calgary Police Commission is a statutory body created under the Alberta Police Act. The Calgary Police Commission has the following legislated responsibilities: to allocate funds provided by City Council, done in consultation with the Chief of Police; to establish policies providing for efficient and effective policing; to issue instructions as necessary to the Chief in regards to those policies; and to ensure sufficient persons are employed by the Service to carry out the functions of the Service.
The Calgary Police Commission is responsible for appointing the Chief of Police and evaluating his or her performance. The Police Commission issues directions to the Calgary Police Service through the Chief of Police. The Chief is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Police Service.
Additionally, the Calgary Police Commission monitors the public complaints process; handles complaints regarding the Chief of Police; and handles appeals regarding the policies of, or services provided by, the Calgary Police Service.
The Calgary Police Commission is accountable to the Alberta Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security and operates in accordance with the Calgary Police Commission bylaw, set by the City of Calgary.
Role of the Calgary Police Commission
The Calgary Police Commission is the civilian body to which the Calgary Police Service is accountable. Members of the Police Commission are appointed by Calgary City Council and oversee policing in the city. Members make decisions and issue instructions as a statutory body under the Alberta Police Act.
Why have a Police Commission?
RELATIONSHIP TO ALBERTA JUSTICE
The Calgary Police Commission is accountable to Alberta Justice and Solicitor General. The Province sets the standards for effective policing in Alberta, and through the Police Act, sets out the requirements and responsibilities for police commissions, Public Complaint Directors, municipalities, and police services.
We uphold and value the core principles of police oversight in Alberta:
- The participation of the public in determining the priorities is essential.
- The police service must be accountable to the public.
- The police service must operate in the absence of political influence.
The Calgary Police Commission remains committed to fulfilling our legislated responsibilities, as well as our responsibilities outlined in the Alberta Policing Oversight Standards. The standards require police oversight agencies to ensure efficient and effective policing, and to provide a way to receive and monitor public complaints against the police service.
When last measured in 2015, the Calgary Police Commission achieved full compliance with the Provincial Policing Oversight Standards. A review by the Province confirmed that the Commission has welldeveloped policies and practices that promote and support police oversight.
RELATIONSHIP TO CALGARY CITY COUNCIL
The Police Act provides for the city to establish a municipal commission. The Calgary Police Commission operates in accordance with the City’s Calgary Police Commission bylaw. The bylaw reiterates and refines the responsibilities of the Commission, and outlines its duties and procedures, including for the creation and appointment of members. City Council appoints members to the Calgary Police Commission, drawing upon the expertise and experience available in the community.
In consultation with the Chief of Police, the Commission is responsible for allocating funds for policing that are provided through City Council. The Commission regularly provides reports and presentations to City Council on the financial status of CPS, and works to ensure information flows seamlessly between the Commission, CPS, and the City.
Each year, the Calgary Police Commission and the Calgary Police Service present an annual report to the Standing Policy Committee on Community and Protective Services. This includes a report on the activities and highlights from the previous year.
The Commission also presents to the City’s Audit Committee to provide annual financial statements and the results of the annual financial audit.
We continually strive to ensure we have a strong working relationship with our partners, including the City of Calgary.
How does the Calgary Police Commission fulfill its mandate?
ADVOCACY
Part of the Commission’s role involves advocating for legislative and other changes that may improve the ability of the police service to improve safety and effectively serve the community. In 2017, the Commission’s advocacy efforts included sponsoring a resolution at the Alberta Association of Police Governance, and conversations with the Province endorsing broad Police Act reforms, supporting CPS’s position on supervised consumption sites, engaging with community partners to facilitate CPS’s inclusion and full participation in Pride events, and encouraging city councillors to support a budget increase for CPS to hire more members in 2018.
FINANCE & AUDIT COMMITTEE
This committee works closely with CPS on closely analyzing the budget allocated by city council to ensure funding is dedicated to the strategic priorities outlined in its 2015-2018 business plan, and to ensure CPS has the resources it needs to keep the city safe.
COMPLAINT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
With the support of the Public Complaint Director, this committee monitors and oversees the public complaint process. While CPS is responsible for investigating complaints, the Commission and the Public Complaint Director ensure investigations are thorough, fair to all parties, and are conducted in accordance with laws and policies.
GOVERNANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
As part of the Commission’s responsibility to establish policies for efficient and effective policing, this committee considers the financial, privacy, personnel, and public interest implications of CPS policies and decisions. This committee also establishes the evaluation framework and evaluates the performance of the Chief Constable.