Edmonton city worker strike: emergency services unaffected, some service changes, EPS says

Edmonton police say their emergency services and response will remain normal despite the CSU 52 labour disruption announced Monday morning.

“All efforts are being made to ensure that impacts from strike actions have a minimal impact to frontline policing and EPS’ overall public safety responsibilities,” the force said in a news release. “Decisions on redeployments are being made to minimize the potential for public safety impacts.”

EPS still encourages all Edmontonians to call 911 for emergencies where life, safety, or property is in immediate danger or there is a crime in progress. All non-emergencies should continue to be directed to the non-emergency line 780-423-4567.

There will be some service changes as the strike begins.

Emergency Communications Operations Branch (ECOMB)

EPS says some personnel have been redeployed as emergency communications officers to ensure emergency call response times meet current levels.

Front counters

All front counter locations, with the exception of downtown, will be closed.

EPS encourages everyone to contact the non-emergency line during this time for non-emergency police matters. For emergencies, continue to contact 911.

Police also note that if you can’t contact the city through 311, do not contact police unless it is a police matter.

Police Seized Vehicle Storage Lot (PSVSL)

Public access hours to the PSVSL will be reduced from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday.

EPS notes that storage rates will be adjusted as required.

Police information checks

All public requests for a police information check will be suspended. EPS says this is being done to prioritize requests on active criminal investigations.

The office at Nexus Business Park will be closed to the public.

Property and exhibit section

Hours for the property and exhibit section of the EPS will be reduced to 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Public complaints

Police say priority will be given to maintaining legislative requirements within the public complaint process to ensure legal obligations are met in all investigations. However, they note that file management may be slowed during this time.

Recruitment (officers)

EPS says recruitment activities will continue, however, it is likely there may be timing impacts.

Applicants are told to stay in touch with their file manager.

Recruitment (civilians)

Active public postings and civilian recruitment will be suspended over the duration of the strike.

EPS notes that if the strike is prolonged, more service adjustments may need to be needed.