Complaints
The Calgary Police Service (CPS) is committed to providing professional police services to the citizens of Calgary and works diligently in maintaining a public complaint process that is respectful to the public and the officers. The goals of a responsible and effective complaint process are to:
- Ensure maintenance of professionalism and conduct within the police service.
- Ensure that police services are provided without discrimination and in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
- Strengthen relationships between the police and the community.
- Justify the public trust placed in the police service.
- Ensure that police officers act lawfully in the performance of their duties.
- Identify areas of concern and police service policies that may not be meeting the needs and expectations of the community.
The CPS recognizes in the scope of law enforcement, citizens may question certain actions of police officers. Each officer is responsible for achieving and maintaining high standards of individual performance, training and reinforcement of department policies.
Who can make a complaint?
The Alberta Police Act legislates who can make a complaint.
Section 42.1(2)of the Act states that complaints may be filed by the following individuals:
- a person to whom the conduct complained of was directed;
- a person who was present at the time the incident occurred and witnessed the conduct complained of;
- an agent of a person referred to in clause (a);
- a person who
- was in a personal relationship with the person referred to in clause (a) at the time the incident occurred, and
- suffered a loss, damage, distress, danger or inconvenience as a result of the conduct complained of.
What can a citizen complain about?
- The actions of a Calgary police officer.
- The policies of, or services provided by the Calgary Police Service.
- All complaints with respect to the Chief of Police must be referred to the chair of the Calgary Police Commission.
What is the time limit on making a complaint? (As legislated under Section43(11)of the Alberta Police Act)
Based on the Police Act, a complaint may be filed up to one year after the alleged conduct occurred, or up to one year after the complainant first knew, or should have known, about the alleged conduct (whichever occurs later).
How to make a complaint
There are several options.
- Phone: 403-428-5904, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Fill out complaint form and mail, email or fax to number/addresses below.
- Mail:
Calgary Police Service
Letter must include:
Professional Standards Section #811
5111 47 Street NE
Calgary, AB
T3J 3R2- Full name of the complainant
- Address
- Email address, if available
- Telephone number(s)
- If complaint is made by an agent; agent's full name and contact information
- Date of the alleged conduct, if known
- The identification of the police officer, if known
- Description of the incident
- If the complaint is in respect of a policy or service of a police service, sufficient information to identify the policy or service complained of
- Email: PSS@calgarypolice.ca
- Fax: (403) 265-9870
- In person:
Calgary Police Service
Professional Standards Section #811
Westwinds Campus East Building
5111 47 Street NE
Calgary, AB
T3J 3R2 - Complaints may also be submitted through the Calgary Police Commission.
What to expect when making a complaint
A member of the Professional Standards Section will contact you within two to four business days. They will provide you with an explanation of the complaint process.
Updated: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 1:40 PM