While the EPS continues its work to be a modern police service committed to increasing community safety, we recognize the need to demonstrate a high level of transparency, share relevant safety information and data with the public and measure performance toward building a safer community for all.
The 2022 Annual Report is a comprehensive overview that aims to provide Edmontonians with this valuable information and showcase the direction of the EPS, highlight the work of our staff in serving the needs of the community and provide statistical insight into crime and community safety. It also serves as a public update on EPS goals and outcomes set out in the 2020-2022 EPS Strategic Plan.
“Despite the many changes the Service has faced in
2022, our members have continuously adapted to the demands of each new
situation, and I commend them for it,” says EPS Chief Dale McFee.
“We recognize the importance of being proactive and innovative in our approach
and have undertaken a number of efficiency exercises to ensure public safety
without compromising officer safety. As we continue into 2023, we will remain
steadfast in our efforts to be a forward-thinking police service and are
dedicated to working collaboratively with our community partners to ensure that
we are providing the best possible service to Edmontonians and a leading
partner in community safety.”
The report highlights enforcement efforts, community policing programs and special events, as well as notable investigative and technological innovations. To enhance the annual report and continue its commitment to transparency to the public, the EPS has also launched a robust public reporting dashboard.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2022 ANNUAL REPORT
Last year proved to be one that saw many changes for the EPS. Highlights included:
- Preparation for the 2023 launch of EPS’ Healthy Streets Operation Centre (HSOC) Community Safety Teams began in early 2022 with Project Connection. Consisting of EPS, Peace Officers, Paramedics, and Alberta Sheriffs, the teams address areas of Edmonton with chronically high levels of victimization and crime. With a focus on reducing harm while simultaneously increasing individual and community safety and well-being, this coordinated effort is accomplished by improving access to appropriate wellness services while reducing criminality and victimization.
- As the EPS shifted resources to help staff the HSOC Community Safety Teams, over 60 officers were moved back to the frontlines to balance deployment more effectively. The Service’s new 10-Squad model addresses officer wellness and improves members’ ability to respond to calls for service and better serve Edmontonians.
- Additionally, 2022 saw the EPS launch its 2023-2025 Guns & Gangs Strategy, a data-driven plan that targets factors driving some of the city’s most serious crime and identifies focus areas that require increased and sustained effort to improve community safety. The EPS’ internal experts and external partnerships with other enforcement and social agencies work together to strike a balance between education, suppression, intervention and prevention.
- Last year also brought many investigative and technological innovations, such as EPS’ Historical Crime Section using genetic genealogy to lay charges in a 1981 sexual assault case and the Detainee Management Unit purchasing a body scanning machine, the only body scanner operating in a police facility, to conduct safer, more compassionate detainee searches.