How Should Alberta's New Police Complaints Commission Work?

Official title: Police Review Commission implementation engagement

Closed Policy & Studies Indigenous & Northern Justice & Rights
Alberta is setting up a new Police Review Commission to handle complaints against municipal and First Nations police. The government asked stakeholders and Indigenous communities how it should work—things like dispute resolution, reducing barriers to filing complaints, and training for commission staff. This engagement wrapped up in early 2025.

Why This Matters

Ever had a bad experience with police and didn't know where to complain? This commission will be the single place to file complaints against municipal and First Nations police in Alberta. How it's designed affects whether people actually feel comfortable using it.

What Could Change

The Police Review Commission will become the single intake point for police complaints in Alberta. New regulations will define how complaints are processed, including options for alternative dispute resolution. Training standards and recruitment practices for commission staff will be established based on this feedback.

Key Issues

  • How should alternative dispute resolution and restorative practices work for police complaints?
  • What barriers prevent people from filing complaints, and how can they be reduced?
  • How should the commission recruit and train its staff?
  • How can Indigenous communities be meaningfully engaged on an ongoing basis?

What Happened

The government engaged with municipal and First Nations police services, the RCMP, police associations, police commissions, municipalities, and Indigenous communities throughout summer and fall 2024 and early 2025. Sessions covered alternative dispute resolution, intake processes, recruitment and training, and ongoing engagement with diverse communities. The feedback will guide the development of policy, regulatory frameworks, and change management strategies for the Police Review Commission.

Key Documents