No other jurisdiction in Alberta spends more on policing than Edmonton. 

Former EPS Chief Dale McFee said, “we can’t police our way out of crime” and that the vast majority of calls are driven by poverty, addiction, and trauma. Edmonton spends the 2nd highest per person on policing in Canada. Tackling the root causes of crime, supporting crisis diversion and social supports can ensure police officers are available for priority calls.

Policing is the largest item in the city budget and on your property tax bill. No one spends more on policing than Edmonton. But where is the new funding going?

Police funding has increased year over year. In 2019, the police funding from the City of Edmonton was $378 million. By 2026 it will grow to $475 million. 

The Edmonton Police Service's budget is expected to grow by 12.4% between 2023 and 2026. For context, the Edmonton Public Library's budget is supposed to increase by 4% between 2023 and 2026.

How are the Edmonton Police leadership spending the money?

I moved the following motion which was passed by City Council.

That the Edmonton Police Commission obtain information from the Edmonton Police Service on the impacts of the Edmonton Police Service Funding Formula, specifically addressing what services and projects the enhanced funding under this formula has enabled or will allow in the future and provide a report to Council.

Motion Passed: Sohi, Wright, Knack, Stevenson, Salvador, Janz, Tang

Opposed: Cartmell, Hamilton, Rice, Principe

I was disappointed that some of my colleagues would even speak and vote against receiving more information about how our tax dollars are being spent.

Even those who support the expenditures should want to know -- and proudly celebrate -- how the funding is being spent, no? We could all benefit from more transparency, accountability, and oversight. More information allows us to compare return on investment and ensure every single tax dollar is maximizing public benefit.

There are some negative political actors in the community who are attempting to perpetuate a narrative that the police are underfunded. When you look at an annual budget growth of almost $100 million dollars, this is clearly incorrect.

Edmonton has a funding formula which guarantees an increase every year. The police are the largest component of the city budget and the largest part of your city property taxes. Taxpayers deserve to know how funding is being spent. We all deserve to feel and be safe in our community and deserve transparent information about what is being done to enhance safety.

I wrote about the problems of accountability in police funding previously at: https://www.michaeljanz.ca/more_money_more_police_not_necessarily

Last year the EPS leadership were criticized for spending more on public relations instead of front-line policing. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/edmonton-police-communications-spending

The Edmonton Police Commission has been critical of providing an audit plan to city council and their auditor jointly reports to both the Chief of Police and the Police Commission, unlike the independent auditor at City Hall who only reports to City Council, not the City manager: https://edmontonjournal.com/news/politics/keren-tang-edmonton-police-commission-audit

Policing expert Professor Temitope Oriola recently wrote an article about the need to deploy police resources more effectively: https://edmontonjournal.com/opinion/columnists/temitope-oriola-lets-deploy-eps-resources-more-effectively

Firstly, the majority of calls are not necessarily matters of life and death. They are mostly for issues like shoplifting and vandalism (a combined 89.1 per cent).

Secondly, at a policy level, these numbers suggest a need to engage other occupations in dealing with many of the social issues we have somehow managed to drop on the laps of police like houselessness, drug addiction, mental-health episodes, drug addiction, among others.

Thirdly, having one or two officers in patrol vehicles is standard law-enforcement practice. Scholarship on how police time is utilized is vast. In the last 50 years in the field of criminology, the Kansas City Preventive Patrol Experiment led to “consistent evidence of the lack of effects of any consequence on crime.”

The study suggests that hotspots policing may be a better strategy. Overall, McFee’s exit should spur reasonable and fact-based policy conversations on effective deployment of police resources.

What you may not know, is that Edmonton City Council has also provided record investment into 24/7 crisis diversion through REACH, bringing their funding up to $5.3 Million in 2024. The stats are impressive.

When it comes to public health and safety, we need the right tool, at the right time, in the right place at the right cost. Sometimes that is a fire engine, other times it is a squad car– but sometimes it’s just a helping hand and a connection to health or services.

Many of you likely know that since the 2021 election City Council has provided almost 20% more funding to the Edmonton Police Service. I’ve shared some of my thoughts about ensuring return on investment for this expenditure previously. (more money more police not necessarily)

What you may not know, is that Edmonton City Council has also provided record investment into 24/7 crisis diversion through REACH, bringing their funding up to $5.3 Million in 2024. REACH was operating with a budget of under $2 million in 2021. 

“The 24/7 Crisis Diversion program helps people experiencing nonemergency crises get to a safe place, freeing up police and emergency medical services to respond to more critical events. 24/7 Crisis Diversion program contributes to the decriminalization of poverty, mental health and addiction by supporting people to connect with appropriate resources versus engagement with police, justice and corrections.” https://reachedmonton.ca/initiatives/24-7-crisis-diversion/ 

Between January 1st - June 14th, 2024, the REACH team  had 30,888 dispatches, a 30% increase from the same period in 2023. It is critical that we continue to invest in crisis diversion programs as the importance of them only continues to grow. 

If you see someone who may be in distress but not in an emergency state, call 211 and you can request assistance from a Crisis Diversion team. 

There are currently 10 vehicles on the road within a 24-hour period 365 days per year. Boyle Street Community Services and Hope Mission also each operate five crisis diversion vehicles, each vehicle staffed by a team of two, from the respective organizations.

Mobile Teams receive calls from 211 operators via a dispatch system and can typically respond to high-priority calls within 30-45 minutes.

Emergency Services and Peace Officers can also make direct referrals to Crisis Diversion teams.

In addition to this work helping so many folks, it is an alternative solution to augment public safety. It is also more financially sustainable than offering only a police response.

I’m also very interested in the Downtown Business Association “Night Patrol” program that, for the same cost as one police patrol car with two officers, dispatches two patrol cars with a peer and a security guard to help proactively respond to low intensity issues. As always they can call EPS if things merit it.

As we continue to invest in a program like REACH, it is important to let people know this solution exists and to encourage everyone to use it when needed. We all grew up knowing what number to call 911 for ambulance, fire or police, and now we have a new support number to remember as well.  

Thank you to all the hardworking members of the crisis diversion teams – heroes in our community.

Learn More:

The Science and Secrets of Ending Violent Crime with Dr. Irvin Waller

How can we improve community safety and health? Join us for a presentation and community Q&A with Dr. Irvin Waller in discussion with community partners in Edmonton including REACH Edmonton, the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues, Public Interest Alberta, the Parkland Institute and others.

Video:

In 2022, my colleague, Councillor Ashley Salvador (Ward Metis), moved a motion to have the city develop a plan to tackle the issue of problem properties. The motion passed and we are already seeing results such as a reduction in structure fires.

What is a “Problem Property”?

• Have a history of repeated or excessive neglect, disrepair and/or safety concerns
• Are a significant public health risk and/or a higher risk for fires 
• Are abandoned and unsecured and may be accessible to the public
• Are known for repeated, ongoing criminal activity (for example, drug trafficking or gang-related crime)
• Have a history of deliberate violations and/or noncompliance by property owners or tenants
• Require a coordinated response from several agencies (for example, various City departments, Edmonton Police Service, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, Alberta Health Services, Alberta Sheriffs)

Learn more: https://www.edmonton.ca/residential_neighbourhoods/problem-properties-of-edmonton

What is the city doing to address Problem Properties?

• A new tax subclass is applied to these properties so they pay higher taxes until the property issues are solved. 
• At the cost of the owner, enhanced enforcement of safety issues (fire risks, unsecured areas of derelict properties, failure to meet minimum housing standards, illegal activity, health and safety issues, development permit violations, and other infractions). This could mean fines, clean up/board up directives or more, up to and including demolition.
• Relationship building with tenants and owners to ensure they are aware of the issues and consequences of not addressing them.

I want to be clear, these properties are not merely unsightly, poorly kept, or party houses. These are abandoned, vacant, or derelict homes that pose an enormous safety risk to the community, especially due to fire. All properties must maintain minimum property standards as set out in the Community Standards bylaw and Municipal Government Act. 

The demolition of a privately owned property is a significant undertaking and legal process that is not taken lightly by the City. Only if the property is assessed as unsafe structurally and the legislative authority to proceed is present, would the demolition process be initiated. 

What can you do if you have a Problem Property in your neighbourhood? 

Report problem properties if you are aware of them, and talk to your neighbours and friends to make sure they know about this program and that they can report too. 

• Call 311 or report using the 311 app. 
• Confidentially report a problem property using this form: https://www.edmonton.ca/residential_neighbourhoods/report-a-problem-property 
• Report an unsecured, vacant building by emailing: [email protected] 

I need your help.

Because City Bylaw operate on a complaints-based system, and officers rarely have time for proactive policing, it is critical that you are the eyes and ears of your neighbourhood. If something seems off, say something. If you see a bylaw issue, please use 311 or contact my office and please make sure your complaints are documented. Pictures especially (which you can upload using the 311 app) with specific details are very helpful and help save time.

Read more about the progress: https://transforming.edmonton.ca/edmontons-problem-property-initiative-expands-derelict-building-demolitions/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vw_wbWf2i4I

Join us live from the University of Alberta for a critical examination of the criminal justice system with Prof. Benjamin Perrin. Unpacking themes from his bestselling works, we delve into the intricacies and trials facing justice in Canada today. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on 'Indictment: Criminal Justice on Trial'. Benjamin Perrin is a professor at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia. He has served in the Prime Minister’s Office as in-house legal counsel and lead policy advisor on criminal justice and public safety. He was also a law clerk at the Supreme Court of Canada. He is the bestselling author of “Overdose: Heartbreak and Hope in Canada’s Opioid Crisis” Benjamin Perrin is a professor at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia. He has served in the Prime Minister’s Office as in-house legal counsel and lead policy advisor on criminal justice and public safety. He was also a law clerk at the Supreme Court of Canada. He is the bestselling author of “Overdose: Heartbreak and Hope in Canada’s Opioid Crisis” and “Indictment: The Criminal Justice System on Trial”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9ClXJn4YUQ

Read More: What Mayor’s must do to stop violent crime:

https://irvinwaller.org/crime-victims-rights/2022/08/29/3064/

His book sets out the compelling case for change from “accepting current rates of crime and escalating costs of police response” to ” saving lives, stopping trauma and injuries, and protecting women and children”. Overall applying the science smartly will reduce violence, invest in positive futures for young people, and avoid racialized police violence. 

Tough on Causes

The facts are clear that tackling causes and risk factors of violence before crime happens is the most effective and cost-effective way to reduce crime.  Here are examples of targeted social programs that have been proven to be successful in stopping violent crime and are explained more in the book:

• Outreach to young men through initiatives such as Cure Violence or Youth Inclusion Programs (YIP). This approach consists of street workers outreaching to young men to interrupt gang affiliation, mediate violent conflict, and mentor at-risk individuals. See page 63 for more information.
• Hospital-based violence intervention programs, which consist of social workers intervening with victims of violence in hospital emergency rooms to deal with trauma, prevent revenge shootings, and encourage young men to abandon gang-like lifestyle. See page 72 for more information.
• Programs in school curricula that focus on emotion regulation and problem-solving in order to help young men develop self-management skills and reduce impulsive responses causing violence. Programs like Life Skills Training, Becoming a Man and Stop Now and Plan have achieved up to 50% reductions in offending. See page 70 for more information.
• Offering support to families through programs such as Multisystemic Therapy. This approach requires therapists to work in homes, schools, and communities to provide parents with tools to transform the lives of troubled youth. See page 69 for more information.

Robust and Sustained Planning

Cities such as Glasgow that have achieved and sustained significant reductions in violence and homicide rates respected seven key elements that have been agreed at the UN for nearly 20 years but unfortunately not widely used. The success of Glasgow in  reducing violence by 50% within three years and going on to get further reductions has inspired the Mayor of London (UK) to adopt the same strategy.  The book describes the “seven essentials” for successful implementation of what works inspired by public health (see chapter 7).

• Establishing a permanent violence and crime reduction board for the city (see page 117). This responsibility centre is the energy behind developing and implementing crime prevention plans. City-level boards mobilize local talent, facilitate information sharing between sectors, and disseminate pertinent information to key stakeholders and the public.
• Being informed by violence prevention science and data (see page 118). It is crucial to base crime prevention on a multidisciplinary foundation of proven knowledge about crime problems, their causes, and promising and proven practices.
• Having an integrated crime prevention plan (see page 118). The UN Guidelines stress the need for a local plan that mobilizes various community and economic sectors to prevent crime. The plan must be based on diagnoses of local crime problems and should include performance standards, targeted solutions, training protocol, and outcome evaluations.
• Mobilizing sectors able to tackle causes (see page 119). Because of the nature of the risk factors that lead to crime, the permanent violence prevention board must mobilize talent able to help solve the problems. These individuals might include social workers, educators, health professionals, employment specialists, and sports figures as well as CJS workers.
• Having adequate and sustained funding (see page 121). Crime prevention requires adequate resources, including funding for structures and activities, in order to be sustained. There should be clear accountability for funding, implementation, and evaluation, and for the achievement of planned results.
• Developing standards and training for human talent (see page 121). For innovations to be successful, they will require the human talent capable of planning and implementing effective solutions.
• Having public support and engagement (see page 122). The public can play many roles in applying violence prevention science. They can become mentors, take precautions, and help map crime. They also can be advocates to get the permanent board and funding needed to implement crime prevention strategies. For instance, mothers and parents of at-risk young men tend to be successful actors in effecting change at the local and national levels.

(https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/homicides-winnipeg-2022-retrospective-1.6700540)

He pointed to what officials in Glasgow did in the early 2000s as an approach that could work here. 

At the time, the city of about 600,000 people was known as the most violent in Europe, he said, with a per capita homicide rate similar to what he believes Winnipeg's currently is — six per 100,000 people. The World Health Organization dubbed it "the murder capital of Europe." 

The city set up an office of violence prevention and leveraged analysts and epidemiologists who began treating violence like a public health issue. 

After a few years, the violent crime rate dropped by nearly 40 per cent. Homicides were cut in half, Waller said. 

Waller said politicians here should set a five-year target of a 50 per cent reduction in the number of killings and do the things necessary to achieve that goal. 

Those include "adequate and stable" funding for street-level support groups, placing support workers in hospitals and emergency rooms and providing a basic income for people living in disadvantaged areas. 

"Winnipeg can do it if it wants," Waller said. "We know what to do, and it's a question of the province helping the city with the funding." 

Currently, street-level supports in the city are not well-funded, Waller said. "That needs to change."