To begin strengthening the relationship with the media, EPS Corporate Communications organized an education session featuring the Coordinated Crime Section tailored specifically for reporters whose focus is primarily on police-related issues, and gang or drug-related issues in particular. The session was well received and positively reflected in media coverage of the EPS in the days that followed. Consequently, Corporate Communications will be looking at hosting further education sessions with the media covering other units within the EPS in the coming months.
CALEA ACCREDITATION Assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) completed an on-site assessment of the EPS in the spring of 2007. They measured the EPS against 446 international standards, ranging from analysis of policy, crime prevention programs, victim services, training, and emergency preparedness, to community relationships, accountability and procedures. The three assessors noted, “In the time we were here, there’s not enough hours in the day to write all the good things your agency does. You should be very proud of the men and women of your police service.” During their visit the assessment team paneled a public forum in which ctizens and community partners were able to speak honestly about their experience with the EPS. During this session, Deputy Commissioner Sweeney of the RCMP stated, “I see the men and women of the Edmonton Police Service carry out their duties with a sense of honour, with pride in their service and respect for the people of Edmonton. They do this because the Edmonton Police Service takes to heart its commitment to its membership through effective policies; rigorous and sound training; and on-going development of client-centred decision making from the Constable on the street through to the Chief’s office.”
FAMILY VIOLENCE INVESTIGATION SUPPLEMENT Family violence is a unique crime that has a devastating impact on Alberta families, communities and society. A thorough understanding of the context surrounding family violence is essential for an effective criminal justice system response. Following a number of tragic family violence deaths in Alberta, it was clearly identified that our province required a threat assessment capacity with the skills and expertise to assess threats. An integral part of this process involves a screening tool for front-line officers on domestic violence assesment. The Family Violence Investigation Report (FVIR) supplement was created by the Police Advisory Committee of the Solicitor General in response to the need for identifying high risk intimate partner (spousal) files. The supplment report contains 19 risk-associated questions which provide a framework for interviewing victims. When fully answered, the supplment assists members when speaking to bail, assessing the need for protective conditions or orders, and provides the information required for safety planning. The risk factors identified on the supplement also assists the Spousal Violence Intervention Teams in providing a timely, more effective response to those involved in intimate partner abuse, and will help to reduce the number of repeat calls for service to high risk and complex cases of intimate partner violence.
Accreditation shows our commitment to excellence in leadership, resource management and service delivery. EPS members can take pride in their police service, knowing it represents the very best in law enforcement. In July 2007, the EPS was awarded its 5th re-accreditation, marking more than 18 years as an accredited law enforcement agency. The EPS was also awarded a Certificate of Meritorious Accreditation for having been a CALEA accredited agency for 15 or more continuous years.
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