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2023
ANNUAl REPORT
A Message from
Dale R. McFeE, chief of Police
In looking back on the events of 2023, a remarkable highlight has been the Edmonton Police Service’s (EPS) ability to adapt in a year filled with hurdles and significant accomplishments. This commitment was evident as we worked to advance public safety efforts, address crime trends, and engage with the public. Despite facing the heartbreaking loss of two of our officers in the line of duty, the EPS emerged stronger, demonstrating exceptional dedication and resilience.
The tragic deaths of Constables Brett Ryan and Travis Jordan will be carried with us forever. I am deeply grateful for our sworn and civilian members’ unwavering dedication and commitment, who continued to provide invaluable service to the community in the face of unthinkable circumstances. Their resilience, compassion, and steadfastness in carrying out their duties during such challenging times exemplify the true spirit of our organization. I would be remiss if I did not also acknowledge the resounding support of the community, who lifted us up when we needed it most.
Amidst these difficult times, the Service made strides in bolstering public safety efforts. As crime and violence trends grew more concerning, we responded by reallocating resources and reiterating that the city’s public spaces must be maintained for the safe and appropriate use of all. Our parks, transit systems, and sidewalks should be free of disorder and criminal activity, including open-air drug use and the often violent and unpredictable behaviour the drug trade brings with it. To address high-crime areas, we adjusted Divisional Beat boundaries and deployed focused units such as our Healthy Streets Operation Centre (HSOC) Community Safety Teams and Transit and Community Safety (TRACS) Teams. We have also pressed forward with our Guns and Gangs strategy, standing up an additional Gang Suppression Team and taking advantage of new tools in our Firearms Investigation Unit.
With the landscape of community safety changing, and many jurisdictions facing the same social issues, EPS and the Edmonton Police Foundation hosted the inaugural Safety of Our Cities conference. This gathering provided a platform for stakeholders to come together, share insights, and collaborate on strategies to address existing gaps in the social safety net and enhance public safety measures. It was inspiring to see so many in attendance, several whom came from across North America, willing to contribute to the conversation, help push the envelope, and advance critical initiatives on an international scale to combat crime and enhance public safety.
Last year, we also introduced a new goal, Connect, Share, and Evolve, into our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan to reflect our continued commitment to learning from our communities while delivering on our legal mandates under the Police Act, Criminal Code, and Provincial standards. With this in mind, we actively worked to help the public better understand EPS officers’ role through various public engagement efforts, including expanding our Know Your Rights campaign and education on Officer Contact Reports. We also hosted new public events like the Chief’s Pride Breakfast and Ramadan Iftar to foster cultural understanding and promote a sense of belonging within the community and throughout our organization. Additionally, we expanded online reporting to include hate incidents, providing those who do not feel comfortable calling police, or attending a police station, another avenue for reporting.
In 2024, we aim to build upon this progress. Our approach continues to be one of balancing empathy with accountability: where the justice system is needed, it is applied, but provide connection to supports through PACT, HELP, the Integrated Care Centre, and other community partnerships. We will continue to listen actively, ensuring that the voices of Edmontonians are heard and considered, helping to guide our strategic and operational decisions while maintaining a respectful and inclusive work environment, but we will not shy away from difficult and important discussions, such as advocating for bail reform. We will recognize and celebrate our successes, learn from our challenges, and use them to propel us forward in the year ahead.
The City of Edmonton operates its own municipal police service – Edmonton Police Service (EPS), as legislated under the Alberta Police Act. As outlined in the Alberta Provincial Policing Standards, the EPS is responsible for maintaining peace and order, protecting lives and property, preventing crime, investigating crime, and providing other policing services that are responsive to community needs.
KEY SERVICES TO EDMONTONIANS:
RESPONDING TO CALLS FOR SERVICE
CALLS FOR SERVICE
EVALUATED BY EPS
REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE
TO EPS
EVENTS WHERE EPS
WAS DISPATCHED
INVESTIGATING CRIMES
NUMBER OF FILES
WORKED ON BY
HOMICIDE SECTION
NUMBER OF FILES
WORKED ON BY
ROBBERY SECTION
NUMBER OF DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE CHARGES
LAID BY EPS
MAJOR INVESTIGATIONS
RESPONDED TO BY
CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATIONS
NUMBER OF FILES
WORKED ON BY
HATE CRIMES SECTION
Our approach continues to be one of empathy with accountability; where the justice system is needed, and provides connection to supports through PACT, HELP, the Integrated Care Centre, and other community partnerships.
WORKING WITH PARTNERS TO PROVIDE SERVICES
REFERRAL SERVICES
PROVIDED BY YOUTH TEAM
community member interactions
BY the HELP TEAM
REFERRAL SERVICES
PROVIDED BY PACT TEAM
PROVIDING CRIME PREVENTION, DIVERSION, AND EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES
PROACTIVE HOURS
SPENT BY PATROL
WEAPONS SEIZED
VALUE OF ILLEGAL
DRUGS SEIZED
POLICE INFORMATION
CHECK REQUESTS COMPLETED
supporting victims of crime and trauma
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCIDENTS
RESPONDED TO BY EPS
CLIENTS SERVED
BY CTSS TEAM
PEOPLE DIVERTED
BY THE HSOC TEAM
DELIVERING TRAFFIC SAFETY AND EDUCATION
SPEEDING CHARGES LAID
DISTRACTED DRIVING CHARGES LAID
COMMERCIAL VEHICLES REMOVED
FROM ROADS AFTER FAILED INSPECTION
IMPAIRED DRIVING CHARGES LAID
TRAFFIC AWARENESS SESSIONS HELD
VEHICLE NOISE
CHARGES LAID
WHAT EPS HEARD FROM EDMONTONIANS
The citizen perception survey was developed and conducted by an independent third-party research firm, Advanis Inc. This firm also conducts an annual Canada-wide survey. Data for last year’s surveys were collected from May to June 2023. Participants were randomly selected and invited to participate. The survey included 20,176 participants from across Canada, with 1,727 specifically from Edmonton.
CONFIDENCE IN POLICE
Citizen Perception on the Overall Job of Police in their community.
FEELINGS OF SAFETY
Citizen Perception on how safe they feel when walking alone in their community after dark.
POLICE RESPONSE TIMES
Citizen Perception of responding quickly to calls for assistance.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
IT’S A PROUD MOMENT FOR McCAULEY
The annual McCauley Cup event made its long-awaited return in February. The 12th edition of the event had been delayed for three years due to COVID. The event was created by a Downtown Beat officer 15 years ago, to help bridge the gap between Edmonton police and youth in the inner-city community.
The Edmonton Police Service’s Strategic Plan is the overarching strategy that identifies the priority areas for the Service. It is a culmination of extensive engagement with the communities it serves. Shaped by direction from the Edmonton Police Commission, ongoing dialogues with community groups, consultations with arms of government and law enforcement agencies, collaborations with social service agencies and non-profits, as well as feedback from EPS employees.
The 2023 – 2026 Strategic Plan reflects the collective vision, ensuring that EPS aligns with the values and expectations of the people it serves by defining clear goals and outcomes for this period. There are five goals articulated in the Strategic Plan.
2023 – 2026 STRATEGIC PLAN
BALANCE SUPPORT AND ENFORCEMENT
What it means: Understand individual circumstances and ensure people are appropriately transitioned to systems that provide support and/or enforcement to increase community safety.
INDICATORS
MEASURES
EPS BEGINS POLICE BODY WORN CAMERA TRIAL
In March 2023, the Alberta Government mandated the use of body worn cameras by all police officers. Working towards this mandate, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) began a six-month trial of body worn cameras on July 10, 2023. In total, 35 officers working with Transit and Community Safety Teams, the Healthy Streets Operations Centre (HSOC) Community Safety Teams (CST) and the High-Risk Encampment Teams (HRET) will wear cameras. The EPS will trial various technologies to determine what capabilities best meet the organization’s needs and will then issue a request for proposal to select the most suitable vendor.
Citizens interacting with officers on these teams will notice a camera affixed to the front of their uniforms. The cameras are the approximate size of a deck of playing cards and officers will begin recording when they start a public interaction such as when they start investigating an individual; or when they are asking a person a question for the purpose of collecting their information. While not legally required to do so, officers will do their best to advise citizens when they are being recorded.
The goals of body worn cameras are multifaceted, but overall aim to create a more efficient accountability process and reduce use of force incidents for both officers and the public. Some of the anticipated outcomes include increasing transparency, reducing unfounded allegations of police misconduct, increasing public trust and confidence in the EPS and enhancing officer accountability and professionalism.
The goals of body worn cameras are multifaceted, but overall aim to create a more efficient accountability process and reduce use of force incidents for both officers and the public.
ON TRAC FOR
COMMUNITY SAFETY
In May 2023, the Edmonton Police Service Transit and Community Safety Teams (TRACS) began working in LRT stations and around transit hubs to address increased crime and disorder.
Working closely with City of Edmonton Transit Peace Officers and social agencies like Bent Arrow, the TRACS teams work to provide a measured and balanced response to address crime and disorder while working with community partners to connect people in need to services and social support. There are three TRACS teams with plans to expand that number to six by the end of 2024.
STANDING UP FOR SAFER PUBLIC SPACES
Safer Public Spaces describes the ongoing focused work of EPS with various partners, agencies, and within the health system to ensure violence and social disorder is addressed promptly and adequately. This includes addressing open-air drug use in public spaces. It is based on the foundational principle that all public spaces must be maintained for the safe and appropriate use of all. Learn more about Safer Public Spaces by watching the multi-agency announcement.
EPS’ Major objectives for Safer Public Spaces:
1. Reduce the unacceptable levels of violence, particularly random violence, by addressing all factors contributing to victimization, much of which is closely linked to the drug trade.
2. Effect sustainable behaviour change within public spaces, including the visible use of drugs.
3. Offer support for those who are victimized and links to treatment where willing.
4. Aggressive enforcement of those who are supplying and carrying out the drug trade, who often target and victimize the most vulnerable of Edmonton’s community members.
5. Work with the City of Edmonton to address the unacceptable levels of violence, victimization, and public safety threats tied to encampments.
HELP EXPANDS CITYWIDE
With Government of Alberta funding, the Edmonton Police Service’s Human-centred Engagement and Liaison Partnership (HELP) Unit recently expanded to EPS Patrol branches across Edmonton, with a triage system to manage the complex needs of those struggling with addictions, mental health issues, and houselessness.
HELP branch teams are made up of EPS officers and social agency navigators who engage directly with vulnerable individuals, and enable frontline Patrol officers to concentrate on crime and public safety responsibilities.
In 2023, the new HELP branch teams have had 4,198 interactions with the vulnerable individuals. Since 2021, the core HELP team has assisted with:
The expansion of HELP citywide is crucial to creating Safer Public Spaces which became possible with the collaboration and dedication of EPS social agency partners.
DNA REANALYSIS LEADS TO CHARGES
IN 27-YEAR-OLD HISTORICAL HOMICIDE
The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has charged a man in the 1996 murder of a 24-year-old woman.
On December 25, 1996, police were called to the woman’s apartment at 34 Street and 119 Avenue after her family had been unable to reach her and became concerned. She was found deceased inside the apartment. A December 26, 1996, autopsy determined the manner of death was homicide.
While numerous exhibits were tested forensically over the years, a confirmed match to a suspect could not be made. On October 22, 2022, the RCMP forensic laboratory re-examined the exhibits and a male DNA profile was generated and linked to a male suspect. On June 14, 2023, EPS arrested and charged the 48-year-old, who was 22 at the time of the murder, and known to the woman, with first degree murder.
“Our hearts go out to her family and friends. This was a tragic file that has plagued them with grief and unanswered questions for 27 years,” says Det. Kevin Harrison, with the EPS Historical Crimes Section. “Thanks to the tenacity of the forensic specialists at the RCMP lab and the EPS investigative team, we have at long last been able to provide some answers to those questions, and hopefully some degree of closure for her loved ones.”
EPS GANG SUPPRESSION TEAM
AND GUNS & GANG STRATEGY
In 2019, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Gun Crime Violence Reduction Strategy was developed and primarily sought to strengthen EPS capabilities and capacity to close identified deficiencies in firearm investigations, firearm intelligence, firearms evidence collection processes, and policies and procedures.
Gun violence remains a significant public safety concern for the EPS and is the reason the Service continues to work on the Guns and Gangs Strategy 2023-2025.
The strategy lays out a three-year plan to address firearm violence and gang-related crime in the city through three pillars: focused deterrence, investigative excellence, and young people intervention.
It includes short- and long-term solutions that hold those responsible for violence and criminal activities accountable while bolstering EPS’ investigative process, enhancing cross-agency collaboration, and exercising focused deterrence to persuade frequent offenders to exit criminal lifestyles.
The strategy includes the addition of 19 officers to bolster the Organized Crime Branch and increase capacity to address gang activities, shootings and other firearms offences, drug trafficking, extortion and other crimes perpetrated by criminal networks. This will be funded over 2024-26.
Sgt. Ryan Ferry awarded for guns and gangs suppression efforts
Organized crime enforcement, intervention, diversion, suppression, community engagement – it all speaks volumes to the work Sgt. Ryan Ferry has done to contribute to reducing gang and violence activity in the community.
In October, Sgt. Ferry was awarded the Jim Aspiotis Memorial Award
Disarming Edmonton Gangs
In October, Sgt. Ferry and the Gang Suppression Team were featured in a special three-part series produced by Global News called Disarming Edmonton Gangs.
SERVICE AND SACRIFICE:
HONOURING OUR HEROES IN BLUE
Charges laid in line of duty deaths
Amidst the profound grief following the loss of Constables Travis Jordan and Brett Ryan, the community found solace in the dedication and swift action of the EPS. In November, thanks to the tireless efforts of a highly skilled team of officers, EPS made an arrest and laid charges in the case. This accomplishment stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment and professionalism of the EPS.
03.16.2023
03.16.2023
EPS OFFENDER MANAGEMENT APPROACH DELIVERS RESULTS
The Edmonton Police Service’s (EPS) Integrated Offender Management (IOM) Program is based on research which indicates that addressing an offender’s criminogenic risks and needs can reduce the likelihood of reoffending by as much as 40%. This program has three pillars:
The EPS’ Identification and Selection Unit (ISU) utilizes the Offender Identification Matrix to determine which offenders will become IOM clients. ISU selects individuals from the Matrix that commit the most aggregate harm in the city. IOM Officers then work with these offenders using individualized case plans to reduce their instances of offending and the severity of offences they commit, by holding them accountable for any further offences.
IOM Officers have access to social service facilitators and social service providers that form a community service support team. This support team connects the offender with resources to address their needs. IOM works closely with partner agencies to address their basic need such as housing, income support, employment searches, resume building, and access to food banks. To address criminogenic needs (like reducing anti-social behaviour, increasing pro-social leisure time, better family relationships, and reducing substance use), facilitators can connect offenders to mental health and addiction supports for longer-term therapy.
IOM Officers use enforcement tactics when managed offenders relapse into criminality. IOM develops close relationships with both the Crown Prosecutors and Defense counsel and share information on the offender’s behaviour, risks, needs, and compliance. This helps to hold the offender accountable.
In 2023, an evaluation of offender behaviour was conducted based on a sample size of 100 IOM caseloads for the period spanning 2020 – 2022. The key results indicated that there was:
Overall, the program is achieving exceptional results that are leading to positive changes and benefits for offenders and communities.
PARTNER AND ADVOCATE
What it means: Use EPS knowledge and expertise to facilitate effective strategic partnerships that together drive community safety.
MEASURES
PROVINCE DEDICATES 12 SHERIFFS TO HELP
DETER CRIME AND DISORDER IN HOT SPOT AREAS
The province allocated 12 Sheriffs to execute crime-suppression patrols in areas covered by the Healthy Streets Operation Centre (HSOC) Community Safety Teams and other high problem areas. HSOC has been focusing on the areas of Chinatown, Alberta Avenue, the Downtown core and certain Downtown LRT Stations but to date has had to backfill with officers from crime suppression teams across the city.
The teams’ daily goal of high visibility and increased community engagement allowed for more intervention opportunities in a timely manner. These extra resources enable the EPS to provide seven-day HSOC zone coverage and for 20-hours a day. The last shift of the Edmonton Police Service-Alberta Sheriff partnership wrapped up in December.
EPS-ALBERTA SHERIFFS TEAMS BY THE NUMBERS:
INDIVIDUALS
CHARGED
WARRANTS
EXECUTED
VALUE OF PROPERTY
RECOVERED
PEOPLE DIVERTED
TO SHELTERS
VALUE OF ILLEGAL
DRUGS SEIZED
WHAT IS THE HEALTHY STREET OPERATIONS CENTRE?
As the EPS thanks the Sheriffs for stepping up, HSOC continues as a partnership between EPS, City of Edmonton, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, REACH Edmonton, and Homeward Trust. Together, we aim to reduce criminality and victimization, help community members feel safe living, working and being in the area, and improve the health and wellness of all people living in the area. Since November, the HSOC teams – including frontline police officers, Community Safety Officers, peace officers, community safety liaisons, and paramedics, have spent over 600 – hours per month working together in the area.
