NCJ Number
181389
Date Published
1998
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Community policing in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada is discussed in terms of its evolution from its traditional roots to its current status.
Abstract
The new Dominion government established law enforcement in the early 1870's by providing police officers known as the North West Mounted Police. The city began hiring police officers in 1892; these later became the Edmonton city police. The city council created and appointed the Edmonton Board of Police Commissioners in the mid-1960's to serve as a buffer between the city government, the police department, and the public. The city council appointed Robert Lunney as police chief in 1974. Lunney's tenure produced the basis of change in the form of young officers, openness, a new police chief, community consciousness, and research on community policing. These factors prompted the next police chief to agree in April 1987 to the establishment of neighborhood foot patrols in 21 of the city's most problematic areas. Subsequent developments included accreditation in 1988, added technology, a change in name to the Edmonton Police Service in 1990, and continuing efforts and a formal proposal by police superintendent Chris Braiden to promote community-based policing. The police executives approved Braiden's proposal; a project team started developing the agency's new service delivery model in December 1991. Implementation included a media campaign, the opening of community stations, personnel training, a new performance evaluation system, and other actions. Current discussions of policing are focusing on constables' roles and organization. Footnotes