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Grande Prairie establishes municipal police commission
March 20, 2023 By Blue Line Staff / The City of Grande Prairie
Mar. 20, 2023, Grande Prairie, Alta. – The Grande Prairie City Council has approved the Police Commission Bylaw, establishing an independent and arms-length oversight body for the Grande Prairie Municipal Police Service.
A local police commission is required for municipal police services, as per the Alberta Police Act.
The bylaw enables a police commission with appointees that provide local, civilian oversight of the police service. The commission’s responsibilities include:
- Establishing policies for effective and efficient policing
- Appointing a Chief of Police and officers
- Designating a Public Complaints Director
- Allocate funds provided by council
- Ensuring sufficient staffing
A transparent and public recruitment for members of the Grande Prairie Police Commission begins in the coming weeks.
The Commission will consist of five to 12 members appointed by council resolution for up to a three-year term. No more than two members on the Commission may be from City Council or employees of the City of Grande Prairie.
“Today, Council took the next step towards a locally responsive municipal police service with local oversight,” said Mayor Jackie Clayton. “The Police Commission serves the important function of providing arms-length oversight of the Grande Prairie Municipal Police Service, as well as ensuring policing meets community needs and operates in a manner that is aligned with our community’s values.”
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