The previous “skull and crosshairs” crest of Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Tactical Section had fallen out of favour with the service and the community. Although the principles by which members of this Section conduct themselves have not changed, time and community standards have borne out that the “skull and crosshairs” is not an accurate a portrayal of the principles of justice, professionalism and service to the community, for which Tactical Section stands.

In 2005 Tactical Section embarked on a crest development process in order to create a single symbol that best captures the history of the Section and the ideology for which it stands.

The result of this process is the sword and maple leaf crest.

The sword and maple leaf crest of Tactical Section is the result of extensive research and consultation of the membership of this Section. With a Section approval rating of 90%, it is felt that this crest best captures the vaunted history of Tactical Section and the principles of justice, professionalism and service to the community that characterize Tactical Section.

Justice

Symbolism of “Fiat Justitia”

The Latin phrase “Fiat Justitia” pays homage to the “skull and crosshairs” crest and is the original statement of belief of Tactical Section. Fiat Justitia is part of a larger statement “fiat justitia, ruat caelum”, which translated into English means: “let justice be done, though the heavens fall”.  At its core, Fiat Justitia is the representation that above all else, justice must prevail regardless of the consequences of doing so. As professional police officers, every member of the EPS has a sworn oath to serve the community upholding the principle that justice must prevail in our community. This creed is as appropriate today as it was when it was first introduced and it is the essence of why members of Tactical Section have chosen a career of public service.

Symbolism of the Sword

The sword of justice that is represented in the crest represents not only justice but also symbolizes Tactical Section’s primary mandate: to safely and professionally protect the community and the EPS from all those who would threaten it. Throughout the ages, from ancient Rome, to medieval knights, to the modern day Commonwealth, the sword has been a time honoured and unambiguous symbol of justice and the protectors of society.

Professionalism

Members of Tactical Section pride themselves on their dedication, advancement of justice and the protection and service to the community. The crest embodies that dedication to both justice and the professional and measured approach that is required of Tactical Section to successfully carry out its mandate.

Service to the Community

Tactical Section’s crest also captures the primary reason for the existence of this Section and the EPS: service to the community. The symbolism of the laurel of maple leaves that surround the sword is a representation of the external community that Tactical Section serves. The maple leaf laurel also pays tribute to and connects Tactical Section to the traditional EPS crest.  It is felt that utilizing the laurels as they are identifies Tactical Section with the larger EPS and the internal community of police officers it supports.

The absence of “Tactical Section” or “Edmonton Police Service”

Tactical Section’s crest has been designed specifically to not immediately identify it to the uninitiated as a “police” or “tactical” crest. The purpose of the crest, in keeping with the quiet confidence and pride held by members of Tactical Section, is a representation of the principles of the Section without being overly effusive or supercilious

The raison d’être of the crest is to exemplify the justice, professionalism and sense of service that this Section prides itself on without drawing unnecessary attention.