“Everyone has the right to feel safe,” said Lori Lorenz, Acting Executive Director of the EPS' Value & Impact Division.
“The foundation of police legitimacy is the public’s trust in police and without trust, our officers are ineffective and cannot do their jobs. This initiative was created with the intent to educate the community on what their legal rights are during various types of engagement with Edmonton police officers. As a result, we hope that this will in turn foster a co-operative relationship between EPS members and the community they serve.”
This education campaign, which began development prior to and is in compliance with the proposed provincial requirements, works to provide clarity surrounding an individual’s rights while also helping them understand the role of policing in Edmonton.
The Service has created a Know Your Rights pocket brochure with a removeable wallet-sized card, that can be carried by an individual and referred to when they are interacting with an EPS officer. The goal of the brochure is to increase an individual’s knowledge of their rights and provide insight on some of the roles and responsibilities of an EPS officer.
A pocket brochure with a removeable wallet-sized card has been created so that it can be referred to when an individual is interacting with an EPS officer.
To make the information more accessible, the EPS has produced this content in a variety of mediums. A physical version of the pocket brochure, with removeable wallet card, can be picked up at the front counter of any one of the Service’s six divisional stations. Additionally, an electronic version of the brochure and wallet-card can be accessed or downloaded through the EPS’ Know Your Rights webpage: edmontonpolice.ca/KnowYourRights. Content from the brochure will also be featured on the site, along with additional resources and information.
“Our goal with this educational campaign and content is to make this information more accessible and available to the community,” said Inspector Mitchell Flaman of the EPS’ Equity, Inclusion and Human Rights Branch.
“A person’s rights and an EPS officer’s responsibilities can vary depending on the reason for the interaction. This campaign reflects our Service’s commitment to inclusion and our mission to educate the public on their rights, while also working to cultivate a mutual understanding between individuals and officers regarding their rights and responsibilities.”
Through this initiative the EPS is hoping to create transparency, encourage respectful and open dialogue between EPS officers and members of the public and build relationships with individuals who may perceive barriers when interacting with police.
“As police officers, we are tasked with maintaining public safety and preserving law and order, however, we recognize that interactions with law enforcement can be stressful,” said Insp. Flaman.
“In helping the public understand their rights and officer responsibilities, we hope to minimize any associated feelings of apprehension or concern some members of the community may feel when interacting with or speaking to EPS members.”
At this time, the Know Your Rights brochure is only available in English, but will be made available for download in several different languages.