The EC2025-1028 Police Act Use of Force Regulations establish standardized protocols for the adoption and implementation of use of force models across police departments, officers appointed under subsection 14.4(2) of the Police Act, and the Atlantic Police Academy. Approved by the Administrator in Council on October 28, 2025, these regulations are made under section 58 of the Police Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. P-11.1 revoking the previous Police Act Use of Force Regulations (EC144/10).

Under the regulations, every police department in Prince Edward Island is required to adopt the most recent version of one of two recognized use of force models. These models include the Incident Management/Intervention Model used by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the National Use of Force Framework approved by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. Once a department selects a model, the chief officer must provide each member of the department with a copy of the adopted model and inform the Minister of Public Safety of the choice. All members of the police department are then required to comply with the provisions of the model adopted, ensuring consistency in the use of force across the organization and adherence to current national standards.

The regulations also apply specifically to officers appointed under subsection 14.4(2) of the Police Act, a category that typically includes special or auxiliary appointments. The chief officer responsible for these officers is required to adopt one of the approved use of force models, provide each appointed officer with a copy of the model, and notify the Minister. These officers, like regular police members, must comply fully with the provisions of the model adopted by their overseeing chief officer.

Similarly, the Atlantic Police Academy is mandated to adopt one of the approved use of force models, with the Director responsible for providing each instructing officer with a copy of the model and informing the Minister of the selection. Both the Director and all instructing officers are required to follow the provisions of the model adopted by the Academy. This ensures that training delivered to future police officers reflects the most current standards and practices in use of force, aligning educational programs with the operational expectations set for active officers in the field.

The regulations are comprehensive in scope, covering operational police units, specially appointed officers, and the training academy, creating a province-wide framework for the adoption and implementation of nationally recognized use of force models. By requiring notification to the Minister, distribution to all relevant personnel, and strict compliance with the adopted models, the regulations promote transparency, consistency, and accountability in policing practices. The revocation of the previous 2010 regulations updates the use of force standards, reflecting evolving best practices and contemporary expectations for law enforcement conduct in Prince Edward Island.

Prince Edward Island (1028/2025) November 11, 2025
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and do not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.