The Special Events Staffing Unit within the Disaster and Emergency Operations Planning Section offers policing services to assist special event organizers. This service is used to enhance public safety, increase security or provide traffic control during special events. The cost of these services are in accordance with the Special Events Staffing Unit fee schedule. Special event policing assignments are applicable to a wide variety of events including private, for-profit, charitable and city sponsored functions.
Special event policing assignments may include but are not limited to:
- parades, walks, runs;
festivals, trade shows, concerts;
City of Edmonton activities (such as road construction);
fundraising events;
sporting events;
late night dance events;
VIP escorts and events;
money escorts;
filming;
bank moves; or
any other special event deemed appropriate by the police service.
Assessment and Approval of Events
All requests for special events policing services are approved by the sergeant in charge, Special Events Staffing Unit. A fourteen (14) day advance notice is required for all events to allow time for an event assessment. The special event will be adequately researched to assess risk factors that may affect safety, legislation, the Edmonton Police Service’s (EPS) reputation or liability issues. For approval, the event must meet all EPS event screening criteria. Police staffing levels for events are also approved by the sergeant in charge.
Special Event Policing Event Screening Criteria
The Edmonton Police Service will consider a number of factors to determine whether an event or assignment qualifies for special events policing. These factors will include:
- Public safety
- Other security alternatives
- Public expectation to provide policing services
- Conflict of Interest
- Organizational capacity
- Potential risk and civil liability
- Officer safety
Once a preliminary decision is made to provide police resources to a special event (based on the above criteria), the sergeant i/c Special Events Staffing Unit will conduct a thorough risk assessment to ensure that a suitable policing service contract is created and signed by the hiring authority. This service contract will outline the expectations of the EPS and benefit the client by ensuring a clear understanding of the police role at their event.
Bars and nightclubs will not be provided special events policing services. The Edmonton Police Service is still committed to supporting these establishments in providing a safe environment. The Public Safety Compliance Team will work together with bars and nightclubs to assist in improving security procedures, responsible service, and proper management with the goal of maintaining public safety.
Authority and Expectations
EPS police officers who accept special events policing assignments will remain under the exclusive control of the EPS, strictly adhering to all laws and EPS policy and procedure regulations. Officers will ensure their dress and conduct are professional at all times. Officers will perform police duties only and will not assist in matters not ordinarily within an officer’s duties.
In the case of an emergency or some other exigent circumstance, a special event policing officer may leave their special events policing assignment, ensuring the preservation of life and property until on-duty officers can attend. Police authority will prevail over any hiring body in times of emergency.
The EPS is committed to providing you with the best policing service possible. Feedback regarding our service at your special event is always appreciated.
Fees
The special event policing hourly client charge rates are as follows:
Constable $82.00
Sergeant $94.00
Staff Sergeant $102.00
Please note that a minimum three (3) hour charge per officer is in affect in accordance with the Special Events Staffing Unit fee schedule. Officers may be booked for less than three (3) hours, but this minimum charge will apply. These rates were established to ensure all direct and indirect expenses relating to Special Events Policing Services are managed appropriately. The EPS rates align with other Special Events Policing Units in major cities across Canada.
Payment options include: certified cheque, money order or credit card. Cash is not accepted. In some cases, prior credit approval is granted to clients for invoicing services.
Cancellation
All cancellations of special events policing services must be received by the Special Events Staffing Unit at least one (1) business day in advance of the event. If cancelled less than one business day in advance, a minimum administrative penalty of three (3) hours pay per officer will apply.
One (1) business day is defined as twenty four (24) hours prior to the start of the event, not including Saturday, Sunday or statutory holidays.
In the case of departmental need or a community emergency, the Chief of Police or designate may immediately cancel all Special Duty assignments. Should this occur, you will be notified as soon as possible.
Applying for Special Events Policing Services
Application for special events policing services is made by completing the online Special Events Policing Application form.
The online application process requires that you complete the entirety of the application form once you begin. It is recommended that you review the form and identify the information you are required to submit prior to completing your application. You may also print a copy of the Special Events Application Information sheet to assist you in filling out the form.
For further information on the conditions for requesting special events policing services or completing the online application form, please contact the Special Events Staffing Unit office.
Special Events Staffing Unit
Edmonton Police Service Headquarters
9620 – 103A Ave.
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
T5H 0H7
Office: (780) 421-3300
Fax: (780) 421-3369
Email Special Events Policing