1. AAPG 2019 – Medicine Hat
The role of the Public Complaint Director and complaint oversight
Presented by
Heather Spicer
Calgary Police Commission
Executive Director
Calgary Police Commission
November 15, 2010

2. The calgary police commission’s mandate

3. Public Oversight
Commission members have a special view into policing, through the lens of a citizen.
Members represent community residents, and help ensure the police service is addressing the crime and safety concerns of the community.
Calgary Police Commission

4. PCD
The Police Act requires that commissions and committees appoint a Public Complaint Director to receive complaints and help the commission or committee fulfill its complaint oversight obligations.
s. 28.1(1)
s. 23(14)(h)
Calgary Police Commission

5. Key Legislation Police Act Police Services Regulation
Commission Bylaw (City of Calgary)
Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP)
CPC Policies and Guidelines
Calgary Police Commission

6. Complaints
The PCD is only responsible for receiving a Police Act “complaint”. s says a complaint must be about the conduct of a police officer, or policy, or service provided - limits who may complain - sets out the formal requirements of a complaint
Calgary Police Commission

7. PCD’s role
Through the PCD, the commission monitors the public complaint process which is administered by the service.
The commission also handles complaints regarding the chief of police, and appeals regarding the policies of, or services provided by, the service.
Calgary Police Commission

8. Key responsibilities Section 28.1(3) Receive Liaise Review Report
The PCD does NOT investigate, advocate, represent, advise, assess, approve, determine…
What’s left? Suggest, recommend…
Calgary Police Commission

9. The role of the service
As the designate of the chief, the “internal affairs” section of the service (Professional Standards Section at CPS) takes each complaint, assesses it, follows up with the complainant, and follows its established process to resolve, dispose of, or determine the complaint.
Calgary Police Commission

10. CPS PSS Intake
Calgary Police Commission

11. CPS PSS Investigation
Calgary Police Commission

12. RCMP
A complainant may be directed by the PCD to the detachment commander or the CRCC
CRCC Professional Responsibility (AB) detachment commander for investigation
Professional Responsibility reviews the findings and drafts a letter to the complainant
National Public Complaint Directorate (RCMP in Ottawa) reviews, and the letter is sent
Review avenue is through the CRCC
Outcomes are educational/remedial
Calgary Police Commission

13. ASIRT
Established under section 46.2(1) of the Police Act, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) investigates incidents involving Alberta's police that have resulted in serious injury or death to any person, as well as serious or sensitive allegations of police misconduct.
Calgary Police Commission

14. Complaints against the Chief
Threshold test:
Might the alleged conduct constitute a breach of the PSR or other legislation (criminal code)?
Calgary Police Commission

15. Day to day…
Complainants may contact the PCD by whatever method the commission and PCD offer: - phone - - letter - fax - in person The extent of the role is somewhat flexible.
Calgary Police Commission
November 15, 2010

16. Reporting To commission To the Director of Law Enforcement
Relationship with the Provincial PCD and the Law Enforcement Oversight Branch
Calgary Police Commission

17. Limitations of the role – LERB inquiry
[Para 186] The CPC’s public complaint director, in the Board’s view, did everything within her authority under the Act to have the Arkinstall matter investigated. However, her authority was so limited that there was little she could do beyond letter-writing and conversations to move the matter forward.
Calgary Police Commission

18. Pitfalls & Recommendations
Overstepping Setting unachievable expectations Failing to prioritize safety Have standard procedures to follow Develop relationships
Calgary Police Commission

19. Considerations when selecting a PCD
Strong communicator and empathetic listener Comfortable setting boundaries Understands regulatory regimes Committed to work well with the service Willing to be accessible
Calgary Police Commission

20. Looking forward…
Calgary Police Commission

21. Looking forward…
Finally, some much-needed civilian oversight for the RCMP
By Star Editorial Board
Thu., Jan. 17, 2019
Ottawa has finally decided to introduce the RCMP to the concept of civilian oversight in a bid to modernize and improve the way Canada’s national police force operates.
It’s an important, albeit long overdue, move.
RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki and Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale speak about the new civilian oversight board.  (JUSTIN TANG / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Calgary Police Commission
November 15, 2010

22. RCMP CRCC
The Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP (CRCC) is an independent agency. Created by Parliament in 1988, the Commission ensures that public complaints made about the conduct of RCMP members are examined fairly and impartially. The Commission receives complaints from the public and conducts reviews when complainants are not satisfied with the RCMP’s handling of their complaints. The Commission is not part of the RCMP.
Calgary Police Commission

23. Looking forward…
The LERB, in the Arkinstall Inquiry report, made 20 recommendations, including a call for:
-provision of clear and easily accessible information to the public on making complaints.
- enshrining the ability of police commissions' public complaint directors to open complaint files and recommend specific investigative steps. 
Calgary Police Commission

24. Questions?
Calgary Police Commission 650 – 615 MacLeod Trail SE Calgary, Alberta T2G 4T8 (403)