Diversity Magazine hosted the 2024 Diversity Awards on April 26th in Sylvan Lake, Alberta. This event honoured champions of equity, diversity, and inclusion from multiple sectors across the province.
The Edmonton Police Service received the award in the category of “Friends of Diversity” (Category - Organization).
Michelle LaRue (Acting Director) and Lane Gagnon (Equity and Inclusion Advisor) from the Community Relations Section (CRS) attended the event on behalf of the service.
While the work of the Community Relations Section is focused on EDI and human rights, there are numerous champions, both sworn and civilian, within our service who are also doing this important work. This award recognizes all individuals who work to make sure EPS is an inclusive and safe place for everyone – both the community we serve, and our EPS family.
The Diversity Awards recognized the following initiatives led or supported by the Community Relations Section:
1. EPS’ three community councils which ensure diverse voices are heard and informs police policies, procedures, and practices.
- nîsohkamâkewin Council
- Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Advisory Council
- Chief’s Community Council
2. Training delivered to recruits and other areas, such as ECOMB and CTSS, on the following topics:
- KAIROS Blanket Exercise
- Managing Bias: From Awareness to Action
- Historical Trauma: Newcomers and Emerging Communities
- Understanding the 2SLGBTQ+ Community
3. Community involvement. In 2023 CRS hosted or coordinated 9 events including the Black History Month Showcase, Chief’s Pride Breakfast, Hand in Hand: A Step Towards Reconciliation, and the Chief’s Iftar.
4. Planning and coordinating the Oskayak Police Academy, the Police and Youth Engagement Program (PYEP) and the Police and Community Engagement (PACE) program.
5. Supporting the Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s), as needed. The four ERGs at EPS are:
- Women in Policing ERG
- 2SLGBTQ+ ERG
- Racial Equity ERG
- Diverse Abilities ERG
These groups were created and are sustained by dedicated members from all over the EPS. ERG’s are focused on inclusivity and connection, learning, and internal change.
By implementing these EDI initiatives, the Edmonton Police Service strives to create a safer and more inclusive city for all.