The Edmonton Police Commission meeting was moved online due to safety concerns following the increased security measures at city hall after a shooting incident. While nearly a dozen people signed up to speak virtually at the meeting, some members expressed feeling unsafe surrounded by heavy security guards. Former University of Alberta student Vahedah Mehrabani expressed her discomfort by stating, “Try feeling safe when police are swinging batons at your heads.” Others also voiced their opposition to the police action, with witness Naiha Wasi mentioning being hit multiple times with a bike by an officer.
Several individuals at the meeting called on the commission to take action against the violence that occurred during the police response at the pro-Palestine rally. Former student Alexander Dowsey questioned the justification for the violence and emphasized the need for accountability. Police Chief Dale McFee defended his officers’ actions by stating that the service is facing a significant increase in the number of protests that they have to respond to each year. He emphasized the clear responsibilities that both police and protesters have, including obeying all laws and respecting private property.
Despite the controversy surrounding the police response, Chief McFee stressed the importance of following guidelines and maintaining law and order during protests. The commission’s role as a civilian oversight body was highlighted by Chair John McDougall, who stated that their job is not to interfere with the day-to-day operations of the police service but to address concerns and criticisms from citizens. McDougall mentioned having concerns about officers not wearing name tags and badge numbers during the response and assured that he discussed this issue with Chief McFee to ensure that officers would comply with this requirement in the future.
In response to the public outcry, EPS announced that Chief McFee would host a news conference the following day to address the situation. The commission expressed their commitment to hearing from the citizens and addressing any necessary changes to improve police-community relations. The incident at the pro-Palestine rally has raised questions about police accountability and the use of force in response to protests. Despite the challenges faced by both police and protesters, it is crucial for both parties to uphold their responsibilities and work towards peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Overall, the incident at the University of Alberta rally underscored the need for greater transparency and accountability in police operations. The Edmonton Police Commission plays a crucial role in overseeing law enforcement actions and addressing concerns from the community. As tensions continue to rise between police and protesters, it is imperative for both sides to engage in constructive dialogue and find common ground to prevent further conflicts and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in demonstrations and rallies. The commission’s willingness to listen to citizens and address their grievances demonstrates a commitment to improving police-community relations and fostering a more inclusive and transparent approach to law enforcement in Edmonton.
