Photo Courtesy EverythingGP Staff

By Tanner Smith

Mun. Police Force

Police Commission Bylaw to go to council

Mar 14, 2023 | 3:34 PM

The City’s Public and Protective Services Committee has reviewed the Police Commission Bylaw and is recommending it proceed to the next stage.

That would be the bylaw being presented to council, allowing it to review and deliberate the bylaw before proceeding with a Municipal Police Force.

Mayor Jackie Clayton said in a release, “The proposed Police Commission Bylaw is the next step to increase local responsiveness and oversight on policing in Grande Prairie.”

City Council will now need to pass the bylaw in order to meet the requirements, set by the Alberta Police Act, of starting an independent, arms-length police commission, that would oversee the Municipal Police Force.

The Alberta Police Act governs policing and police oversight. The Act delegates to larger municipalities the responsibility for policing, either through an independent police force, by entering into an agreement for service by the RCMP, or by establishing a regional police service.

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If passed, this bylaw would enable a civilian-led commission that would consist of five to twelve members, including two city councilors, who will oversee the Municipal Police Force and be responsible for appointing a Chief of Police and officers, establishing policies for the police, designating a public complaints director, allocating funds provided from council and ensuring that staffing is sufficient.

Clayton said in the same release, “A high-functioning police commission is an essential part of a successful local police service, and council looks forward to discussing this further.”

The bylaw will be presented at the March 20 Council meeting for review and potential approval.