Edmonton City Council is looking for a new member to join the Edmonton Police Commission (EPC).

The Edmonton Police Commission (the Commission) is an independent governance board dedicated to making Edmonton a safe and a vibrant city today and in the future. While it maintains distance from day-to-day policing operations, the Commission oversees strategic policing directions and upholds professional and ethical standards within Edmonton. It ensures effective oversight and accountability while respecting the operational independence of the police.

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS), led by the Chief of Police, is accountable to the Commission for achieving its shared strategic objectives, and reporting organizational performance and successes accordingly.

Edmonton City Hall
Photo by Ezra Jeffrey-Comeau on Unsplash

The Commission serves as an important link between the EPS, the municipal and provincial levels of government, and Edmontonians. The Commission is comprised of a maximum of 12 members, with up to nine appointed by City Council and up to three appointed by the provincial government. The Commission recognizes that policing is dynamic and must be responsive to emergent community needs and crime trends. The joint success of the Commission and the EPS is measured by a high level of public confidence in the EPS, a reduction in crime and disorder and an increase in safety.

The Commission is a legislated public body established under the Police Act and City of Edmonton Bylaw 14040 - Edmonton Police Commission. For more information related to the Commission, visit the Commission website.

Commission Responsibilities

The Commission has a relationship with Edmonton City Council and it exists, in part, to ensure an arm's length relationship exists between the EPS and the political decision making process.

The Commission’s responsibilities are:

• Provide civilian oversight and governance of the EPS
• Educate the public about the role of the Commission
• Establish policies for providing efficient and effective policing
• Make recommendations to effectively implement established policies
• Ensure that sufficient personnel are employed by the EPS to effectively carry out its functions
• In consultation with EPS management, establish policing priorities and participate in strategic planning for the EPS
• Appoint the Chief of Police, subject to ratification by City Council
• In consultation with the Chief of Police, prepare estimates of all money required for each fiscal year and a yearly plan specifying the level of police service and programs to be provided in respect of the municipality
• Allocate the funds provided by City Council
• Appoint a public complaint director
• Handle and oversee the public complaint process including complaints against the Chief of Police
• Carry out independent reviews of public complaints made as to the policies of or the services provided by the EPS, or the actions of a police officer
• Consider appeals of the Chief of Police’s decision in complaints as to the policies of or the services provided by the EPS; and
• Understand community priorities in policing

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience, education or knowledge in board governance and operations
• Understanding of public accountability and scrutiny in a political setting
• Training, education or experience enhancing knowledge and understanding of equity-deserving or marginalized groups
• Demonstrated understanding of racism and discrimination, including pertaining to law enforcement

Assets

• Demonstrated experience and/or education in one or more of the following areas:
  • Strategic financial and business acumen: understanding and experience with operational and capital budgets, audit, and the review, analysis and use of complex financial information
  • Information technology (IT): knowledge and/or experience in the management of large complex IT projects, IT governance, enterprise business systems transformation and/or ethics of technology use (ex. Artificial Intelligence)
• Relevant lived experience and understanding of diverse and marginalized communities
• Training in anti-racism, anti-oppression, social services and/or harm reduction
• In depth of knowledge, education and experiences of working with Indigenous Peoples
• An understanding of the Police Act

Term of Office

• The term of office for a person appointed to the Commission is up to three (3) years; terms are typically two (2) years
• City Council make decisions on reappointments before the end of the member's term, in consultation with the Chair of the Commission
• Members can serve a maximum of six (6) consecutive years
• All members are required to sign an Oath of Office upon appointment

Time Commitment

Members spend about 30 - 50 hours per month on Commission business, which can increase substantially depending on the circumstances. The Commission meets as a whole on a monthly basis. The regular meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of every month. The session normally begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends by 6:00 p.m. If required, supplementary meetings are held monthly. There are also standing committees that meet monthly or bi-monthly. The standing committees include Finance & Audit, Governance, Human Resources, and Professional Standards and meet Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.

Compensation

Commission members appointed by Council are compensated with honourarium for duly recognized meetings of the Commission or its committees and other activities as set out in the honourarium policy. Compensation is fixed by Council. Members receive $150 for meetings under 3 hours; $300 for meetings over 3 hours. Members are also compensated for expenses reasonably incurred in the course of doing business on behalf of the Commission.

To Apply

Applicants will be asked to do the following:

• Apply directly to this job posting by City of Edmonton website at https://edmonton.ca/jobs
• Submit a cover letter summarizing the value and contribution that you will provide to the Commission and your interest of why you would like to serve in this role. Cover letter should demonstrate how you meet the qualifications and assets listed above
• Submit a current resume outlining your career, board and volunteer expertise
• Submit two letters of reference that can verify your suitability for the Commission

Note

• Applicants must be 18+ years of age
• As per Council Procedure C575E, Agencies, Boards, Committees and Commissions, City of Edmonton residency is a consideration rather than mandatory requirement
• A successful enhanced security clearance and criminal records check will be requested of applicants shortlisted for interview
• Talent sourced through this process may be considered for future vacancies and/or contacted for subcommittee opportunities with the Edmonton Police Commission

The Commission is committed to cultivating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable culture. The Commission welcomes diverse applicants regardless of their identity factors, including, but not limited to race, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic origin, age, and ability, and encourages applications from all interested individuals.

If you would like to discuss how your competencies may align with these positions, need an accommodation, or have any questions about the process or posting, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Classification Title: Edmonton Police Commission Member
Posting Date: Aug 22, 2024
Closing Date: Sept 22, 2024 11:59:00 PM (MDT)
Number of Openings (up to): 1 - Ongoing Part-time
Union: Management
Department: Edmonton Police Commission
Work Location(s): Edmonton

Visit www.edmonton.ca/careers for information on how to apply.