The Edmonton Police Commission and city council have been at odds over transparency and audit plans for the Edmonton Police Service. The commission refused to provide city council with information on the internal audit plan of the EPS, stating that operational matters are its sole responsibility. The commission believes that council’s focus should be limited to the financial aspects of the police service, as it does not have operational oversight. The commission consists of appointed city councillors and citizens from various backgrounds, and they have requested a meeting with council and an independent third-party facilitator to improve their working relationship.
The police chief, Dale McFee, emphasized the significant roles of both the commission and council in addressing issues effectively. The commission made a formal request to meet with council and a third-party facilitator to clarify their respective roles and responsibilities in order to move forward constructively for the benefit of Edmontonians. As of now, the EPC is still waiting for a response from city council on this request. Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi expressed his commitment to ensuring that the EPS has sufficient funding for safety and wellbeing, acknowledging the recent increase in the police budget. He emphasized the need for effective communication and accountability in utilizing city resources to make the community safer.
Despite the ongoing dispute, the city council has yet to confirm their willingness to involve a third-party facilitator in the discussions with the Edmonton Police Commission. Mayor Sohi’s office is working with the commission to arrange a facilitated discussion on how they can work together to communicate effectively with the public. The commission stressed the importance of building a constructive relationship with council to ensure transparency and accountability in governing the police service. The commission’s audit program focuses on internal risks to the organization, which they believe should not be shared publicly or with council.
The conflict between the Edmonton Police Commission and city council highlights the challenges of balancing public accountability and police independence. The commission’s decision to preserve its internal audit function and limit council’s focus to financial matters has sparked a debate over the oversight of the police service. Both sides are eager to improve their working relationship and address the concerns raised by council regarding transparency and accountability in policing. The involvement of an independent third party could potentially help bridge the gap between the commission and council, facilitating better communication and collaboration for the benefit of the community. It remains to be seen how the two entities will navigate their differences and work towards a resolution that serves the best interests of Edmonton residents.
