Alberta launches police review commission
Posted December 1, 2025 6:36 am.
Last Updated December 1, 2025 12:42 pm.
A new commission investigating complaints against police in Alberta is now fully operational.
The province says the Police Review Commission (PRC) will give Albertans a single, independent process to file policing complaints and ensure accountability.
The groundwork for the new model was laid in 2022 amendments to the Police Act.
“The Police Review Commission represents a new era in how Alberta addresses policing complaints. These changes are part of a broader paradigm shift where police are no longer seen as an arm of the state, but rather an extension and a reflection of the community they serve,” Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, Mike Ellis, said Monday. “As an independent agency, it is committed to fairness, accountability and public trust, ensuring every complaint is investigated impartially and resolved openly.”
PRC investigations must be complete in 180 days. If more time is needed, the chief executive officer must publicly report on delays and provide justification.
Furthermore, the province says the commission will be arm’s length from government and police services, which will give citizens more confidence that their complaints will be investigated and resolved impartially.
“Our goal is to build trust in policing by delivering timely resolutions and fair, consistent outcomes that put people first,” explained PRC interim chief executive officer, Michael Ewenson. “Every complaint will be reviewed thoroughly and handled with the transparency and respect Albertans expect and deserve.”
The PRC can also initiate systemic reviews related to police conduct or emerging trends without the need for a public complaint, and these reviews must be made public.
- The PRC will handle complaints in three categories:
- Level 1: Death, serious injury and serious or sensitive allegations involving all police services in Alberta, as well as peace officer agencies.
- Level 2: Allegations of criminal and other statutory offences involving all police services in Alberta.
- Level 3: Complaints about non-criminal misconduct involving officers employed by municipal and First Nations police services.
