Improving Effectiveness in Policing

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Alberta Regulation 156/2024 outlines a framework for police governance under the Police Act. Established by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, this regulation reflects changes made by the Police Amendment Act, 2022, and aims to improve the structure and effectiveness of policing in Alberta.

The regulation begins with crucial definitions that establish the terminology used throughout the document, notably defining “municipal police service agreement” and “provincial police service agreement,” which are essential for understanding the context of police governance. Additionally, it defines “Metis community” as a publicly recognized organization representing Metis individuals in Alberta, ensuring that the interests of this population are incorporated into policing discussions and decisions.

One aspect of the regulation is the assignment of duties to the Provincial Police Advisory Board. This board is primarily tasked with advising on integrated community safety planning and representing community interests to the Commanding Officer of K Division of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The board communicates provincial policing priorities, gathers community input for reports, and reports annually to the Minister on policing priorities and resources, improving accountability and transparency within the provincial police framework.

Moreover, municipal policing committees are established to oversee municipal police service agreements. These committees play a vital role in representing community concerns, developing policing strategies, and creating community safety plans in collaboration with local law enforcement. They are involved in selecting officers in charge and must report annually to the Minister on their activities and the implementation of policing programs.

Alberta is divided into several prescribed regional governance zones, including the Eastern, Western, Central, and Southern Alberta Districts of the RCMP. Additionally, the regulation establishes guidelines for appointing members to municipal police commissions based on population size, allowing municipalities with populations under 25,000 to appoint up to five members, those with populations between 25,000 and 250,000 to appoint up to seven members, and larger municipalities to appoint up to nine members.

By defining roles and responsibilities for advisory boards and policing committees, the regulation promotes community engagement, transparency, and accountability in law enforcement. The established frameworks and guidelines seek to ensure effective policing that meets the diverse needs of Alberta’s communities while recognizing the unique interests of the Metis population.

Alberta (156/2024) October 16, 2024