Mission Statement
To provide independent civilian oversight and governance of the Calgary Police Service to ensure a safe community.
Responsibilities of the Police Commission
The Police Act of Alberta makes the Calgary Police Commission responsible for:
- Handling complaints about the Chief of police and appeals about the Calgary Police Service policies and the level of service provided; deciding how best to spend funds provided by the city;
- Appointing and evaluating the performance of the Chief of Police;
- Establishing priorities and policies for effective policing;
- Monitoring the public complaint process;
The Calgary Police Commission and the Calgary Police Service are accountable to the Alberta Minister of Justice.
Role of the Calgary Police Commission
The Calgary Police Commission is the civilian body to which the Calgary Police Service is accountable. Members of the Police Commission are appointed by Calgary City Council to oversee policing in the city. The members of the Police Commission make decisions and issue instructions as a statutory body under the Alberta Police Act.
The Police Commission is a link between the community and the police. The Commission's mandate is to balance the requirements of public accountability and those of police independence and provide an interface between the CPS and elected officials.
The Police Act of Alberta gives the Commission responsibility for appointing the Chief of Police, establishing policing priorities, allocating funds provided by City Council and establishing policing policies. The Police Commission issues directions to the Police Service through the Chief of Police. The Chief is responsible for the day to day operations of the Police Service.
See Staff Roles and Responsibilities at the Calgary Police Commission.
