The Edmonton Police Commissioner has stepped down amid an inquiry into recent appointments by the city council
Edmonton: There’s been quite a stir at the Edmonton Police Commission lately. On Thursday, the police reached out to Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis, asking him to look into the recent appointments of two new members to the commission made by the city council.
These new members are Dan Jones, a criminologist and former police detective, and Renée Vaugeois, who heads a human rights organization. The police haven’t been clear about their specific concerns regarding these appointments, but they mentioned it relates to public-facing activities.
They believe a certain part of the Police Act gives them the right to question these appointments, especially when it comes to how police services are delivered. But a lawyer, Tom Engel, argues that this doesn’t really apply to commissioner appointments.
Engel said it seems like the police are trying to stretch the law to get the minister involved, calling it a desperate move. While all this was unfolding, Jones announced he was resigning from the commission. He expressed that he wanted to serve the community but didn’t expect his role would lead to such controversy.
Jones felt it was best for the community if he stepped down to avoid any ongoing concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Engel reacted live, saying citizens should be outraged by the situation, calling it a sad day for police oversight in Edmonton.
Minister Ellis responded by stating he would initiate an inquiry into the alleged issues, emphasizing that the claims are serious and could harm public trust. Meanwhile, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi defended the appointment process, stating it includes thorough checks and balances.
Sohi expressed disappointment that the police raised their concerns with the minister before discussing them with the city council, fearing it might discourage future public service on the commission. Engel suggested that the police chief should resign sooner than planned, arguing that the commission needs fresh leadership from outside the current police service.
