2023
ANNUAl REPORT

Chief Dale McFee

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.

building safer communities

ABOUT EPS / WHAT WE DO

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
  • Investigating crimes 
  • Working with partners to connect individuals to support services
  • Providing crime prevention, diversion, and early intervention services
  • Supporting victims of crime and trauma
  • Delivering traffic safety and education
  • Engaging with the community

HIGHLIGHTS OF EPS ACTIVITES IN 2023

RESPONDING TO CALLS FOR SERVICE

0

CALLS FOR SERVICE

EVALUATED BY EPS

0

REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE

TO EPS

0

EVENTS WHERE EPS

WAS DISPATCHED

INVESTIGATING CRIMES

0

NUMBER OF FILES
WORKED ON BY

HOMICIDE SECTION

0

NUMBER OF FILES
WORKED ON BY

ROBBERY SECTION

0

NUMBER OF DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE CHARGES

LAID BY EPS

0

MAJOR INVESTIGATIONS
RESPONDED TO BY

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATIONS

0

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

0

REFERRAL SERVICES

PROVIDED BY YOUTH TEAM

0

community member interactions

0

REFERRAL SERVICES

PROVIDING CRIME PREVENTION, DIVERSION, AND EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES

0

PROACTIVE HOURS

SPENT BY PATROL

0

WEAPONS SEIZED

$ 0 M

VALUE OF ILLEGAL

DRUGS SEIZED

0

POLICE INFORMATION

CHECK REQUESTS COMPLETED

supporting victims of crime and trauma

0

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCIDENTS

RESPONDED TO BY EPS

2,099

CLIENTS SERVED

0

PEOPLE DIVERTED

DELIVERING TRAFFIC SAFETY AND EDUCATION

SPEEDING CHARGES LAID

0

DISTRACTED DRIVING CHARGES LAID

0

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES REMOVED
FROM ROADS AFTER FAILED INSPECTION

0

IMPAIRED DRIVING CHARGES LAID

0

TRAFFIC AWARENESS SESSIONS HELD

0

VEHICLE NOISE
CHARGES LAID

0

ENGAGING WITH THE COMMUNITY

0

nîsohkamâkewin council

SESSIONS HELD

0

chief’s community council

SESSIONS HELD

0

SESSIONS HELD

0

total Social media

5,849,873

total social media

0

Community Relations

engagements

10 Year Trend of Edmonton’s Crime Rate and Crime Severity Index

CITIZEN PERCEPTION SURVEY

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.

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FEELINGS OF SAFETY

Citizen Perception on how safe they feel when walking alone in their community after dark.

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POLICE RESPONSE TIMES

Citizen Perception of responding quickly to calls for assistance.

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KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Edmontonian’s confidence in police improved in 2023, returning to the 2021 level (57% rated Good or Excellent). This indicates a positive response to EPS’s efforts in 2022-2023 to strengthen public trust. 
  • The majority of Edmontonians continue to feel safe, after dark, in their communities. Perceptions of safety can be influenced by multiple factors, including life experiences, media reports about crime, environmental factors, and real threats to safety.
  • Citizen’s belief that the police will come when needed is an important factor for establishing trust between law enforcement and residents. EPS continues to invest in frontline police resources and emergency call evaluations to ensure that Edmontonians can rely on the service to respond quickly to emergencies.

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.

EPS Strategic Plan & Goals

EPS Strategic Plan & Goals

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

GOAL 1

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.

EPS PERFORMANCE MEASURE RESULTS

WHAT THIS TELLS US

  • There is an increasing trend in violent crime and severity since 2021. This is driven by increased frequency of high-harm violent crimes like assault, sexual assault, robbery, and uttering threats. In 2024, EPS is addressing this negative trend with a crime reduction plan focused on addressing violent crime.
  • Edmonton witnessed a marginal increase in social disorder occurrences in 2023 compared to the previous year. However, it is well below the 2021 level.  Social disorder occurrences include noise complaints, mischief, and public disturbances. Some of this decline can be attributed to more visible presence of front-line police officers in high frequency areas.
  • In 2022 and 2023, EPS diverted more vulnerable youth away from the justice system to better suited community support services.
  • In 2023, HELP’s services were 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.
  • The new HELP branch teams have had 4,198 interactions in 2023 with vulnerable individuals. This includes the team’s primary response to 1,378 calls for service, 1,290 proactive outreaches, 943 consultations offering advice and resources, and 579 on-scene assists to Patrol officers.

WHAT HAS EPS DONE

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:

  • 1,796 referrals 
  • Accepted 740 individuals into a case management setting

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.

All three parts can be viewed here.

SERVICE AND SACRIFICE:
HONOURING OUR HEROES IN BLUE

On March 16, 2023, the Edmonton Police Service experienced a tragic loss with the line of duty deaths of Constable Travis Jordan and Constable Brett Ryan. The two dedicated officers were fatally shot while on duty, leaving behind grieving families, friends, colleagues, and a community in mourning. In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, the city came together to honour the bravery and sacrifice of these fallen EPS heroes. Blue ribbons, vigils, memorials, and messages of condolence flooded into the Service, demonstrating the profound impact these officers and the entire police service have had on the lives of Edmontonians.

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.

Cst. Travis Jordan

03.16.2023

Cst. Brett Ryan

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: 

  • Prolific, persistent, and other priority offenders
  • The Risk-Need-Responsivity of Offender Rehabilitation
  • The integration of legal and community services

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:

  • A 56% reduction in negative occurrences with Police (i.e., where the offender was arrested, accused, charged, a suspect or a suspect chargeable in occurrences)
  • A 59% reduction in charges (representing a decrease in criminal involvement in occurrences)
  • A 70% reduction in crime severity (total UCR-weight based severity of violations)

Overall, the program is achieving exceptional results that are leading to positive changes and benefits for offenders and communities.

GOAL 2

PARTNER AND ADVOCATE

What it means: Use EPS knowledge and expertise to facilitate effective strategic partnerships that together drive community safety.

EPS PERFORMANCE MEASURE RESULTS

WHAT THIS TELLS US

  • The Police and Crisis Response Team (PACT) is a partnership with Alberta Health to assess the client’s mental health needs and determine the appropriate action/support in line with the Mental Health Act and the Criminal Justice System. The number of referrals supported, managed or coordinated by the PACT team decreased slightly in 2023. We expect the number of referrals to increase in 2024.
  • For Breaches–Violations, these offences include the Criminal Code violations of failure to comply with conditions, failure to appear, and breach of probation. EPS has recorded a decline in these breaches over the past 3 years with a 13% drop recorded in 2023. While these are commonly charged offences in Alberta, a reduction in breaches indicates increased regard for the justice system and the legal obligations it sets. Individuals who comply with their conditions are more likely to reintegrate into society successfully, reducing the likelihood of re-offending.

WHAT HAS EPS DONE

PROVINCE DEDICATES 12 SHERIFFS TO HELP
DETER CRIME AND DISORDER IN HOT SPOT AREAS

In February 2023, the Alberta Government announced resources to bolster community safety and visibility of protective services within areas of the city with high social disorder and violence.

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:

0

INDIVIDUALS

CHARGED

0

WARRANTS

EXECUTED

$ 0

VALUE OF PROPERTY

RECOVERED

0

PEOPLE DIVERTED

TO SHELTERS

$ 0

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.