Union letters claim civilian Edmonton police staff facing workplace sexual assault, harassment 

Serious allegations of misconduct have surfaced about the workplace culture at the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) impacting civilian employees.

CityNews has obtained three letters from a former CSU 52 labour relations officer to leadership at EPS and the City of Edmonton sent July 23, 2025. Letters to both entities claim the union “has become aware of a systemic culture of workplace sexual assault, harassment and gender-based violence” as experienced by civilian EPS employees. Civilian staff work with police officers but do not wear a badge.

Names of any alleged victims or perpetrators are not included. 

This culture, the letters claim, could only develop because of a lack of appropriate oversight by management or the employer, and claim the EPS knew what was happening.

“The Employer is well aware of this culture and has not done enough to address or prevent the harms that flow from that culture,” it states.

Asked Thursday if he thinks EPS has a culture of sexual harassment, harassment and abuse, Chief Warren Driechel responded in the negative.

 “No, I don’t think so,” he said.

Driechel said EPS takes complaints seriously and has mechanisms to report problems, including whistleblower protections, as well as discipline through the Police Act. 

However, he said EPS is reviewing the allegations.

“There is an investigation ongoing. I can say that much,” he said.

In a statement, an EPS spokesperson told CityNews said they are committed to maintaining a safe environment for all employees.

“Our dedicated Respectful Workplace Section works proactively with employees and leadership to foster an inclusive and respectful environment through avenues such as employee onboarding, training, and education across the service,” wrote Lauren Wozny, EPS’ director of media relations and public affairs.

“Further to this, work has been underway over the past year to develop a larger human rights framework with an integrated approach to discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment.”

The union also puts blame on the City of Edmonton as the employer.

The municipality disagrees.

“While the City of Edmonton takes allegations of misconduct seriously, we do not oversee or manage the operations of the Edmonton Police Service (EPS), and do not have jurisdiction to investigate, manage or adjudicate workplace safety grievances for EPS staff,” communications advisor Megan Candie wrote. “In addition, we cannot comment on confidential grievance matters.

“The City believes every employee deserves a safe, respectful and inclusive work environment.”

Contacted Thursday about the letters, CSU 52 president Bryce Jowett responded with a statement saying the union cannot comment on “confidential grievance matters or internal matters affecting current and/or former employees.”

“This confidentiality is in order to protect the privacy of our members and the integrity of the process for all parties. I can assure you that CSU 52 does take all allegations of misconduct, including allegations of sexual misconduct, very seriously,” he wrote.