Days after Edmonton police dismantled encampments at a pro-Palestine rally held at the University of Alberta, Chief Dale McFee addressed the response at an Edmonton Police Commission meeting. The meeting was initially scheduled to take place at city hall but was shifted online due to safety concerns arising from increased security measures implemented in response to a previous shooting incident. Commission Chair John McDougall expressed concerns about members feeling unsafe following a recent city council meeting where over 100 people showed up to voice their objections to the police actions.
During the virtual meeting, nearly a dozen individuals signed up to speak, with some expressing their discomfort at being surrounded by heavy security guards at city hall. Former University of Alberta student Vahedah Mehrabani criticized the police response, highlighting the fear and violence experienced by protesters during the rally. Naiha Wasi shared her firsthand account of being struck multiple times by an officer while recording the events. Alexander Dowsey called for accountability and questioned the justification for the violence inflicted on the campus community by the police.
Chief McFee defended the actions of his officers, citing the increasing number of protests that the service has had to respond to in recent years. He emphasized the importance of protesters following the law and respecting private property during demonstrations. While the chief typically holds media interviews following commission meetings, EPS declined to provide interviews on this occasion, stating that McFee would address the public at a news conference the following day. Commission Chair McDougall reiterated the role of the commission as a civilian oversight body and stressed the importance of receiving feedback from citizens to drive necessary changes.
McDougall expressed concerns about reports of police officers not wearing name tags and badge numbers during the rally response. He confirmed that he had addressed this issue with Chief McFee, who assured him that officers would be required to wear identification going forward, regardless of their division. The commission remains committed to engaging with the community and listening to their feedback, as evidenced by the virtual meeting where various individuals were given a platform to express their perspectives and experiences. McDougall emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in ensuring responsible policing practices.
The incident at the pro-Palestine rally has sparked a larger conversation about police conduct during protests and the need for oversight and accountability. The commission’s willingness to listen to community concerns and push for improvements in police practices is a step towards building trust and addressing issues of social justice within the city. By engaging with the public and holding law enforcement accountable for their actions, the commission aims to ensure a safer and more inclusive environment for all residents in Edmonton. The discussions and debates following this incident will likely shape future policies and procedures regarding police responses to protests and demonstrations in the city.
