Twelve new Community Peace Officers received orders to serve with integrity and compassion at a graduation ceremony at City Hall.
The words of inspiration came directly from Edmonton City Manager, Andre Corbould, who addressed the recruits at a time when Peace Officers are tackling unique challenges – ones that require empathy and education as well as enforcement.
“Being a Peace Officer is about listening to people and helping build solutions,” Corbould said. “You are problem solvers, educators and you help build that trust with Edmontonians that is so important.”
Corbould also shared how the commitment displayed by Peace Officers to serve their communities inspires him. “I witness every day how dedicated you are to serving the people of Edmonton. And it certainly inspires me, and makes me proud to be a part of the City family,” he said.
The City’s newest recruits received their diplomas as graduates of the Community Peace Officer Induction Program, Class #40. Nine officers will join the Transit safety team, while two will support Animal Care and Control and one will be a part of Edmonton’s Community Safety Team.
Community Peace Officers received eight weeks of training regulated by the provincial Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services. City of Edmonton Peace Officers are trained in Indigenous awareness, mental health awareness, de-escalation techniques and in how best to work with youth and Edmontonians experiencing homelessness.
Community Peace Officer Alexis Huote was inspired to serve by the opportunity to be a leader in the community and to make a difference.
“It is important to me to be in a profession where I am able to help those that are vulnerable,” she said. “A career in enforcement increases my self confidence and my ability and support others.”
Community Peace Officer Jaskaran Saini signed up to become a Peace Officer to make sure his community and Edmonton’s marginalized voices felt represented by City enforcement.
“I took the training because I wanted to become a steward in building healthy relationships between the City and vulnerable members of the community. I think Edmonton is at its best when the municipal government and communities are integrated.”
Corbould also reminded the new officers that their personal stories and connections to Edmonton are an asset to the roles.
“Your varied backgrounds and experiences will help shape our team and reflect the incredible diversity of our great city as you interact with Edmontonians every day,” he said.
Peace Officers hail from various backgrounds and play a valuable role in keeping Edmonton safe, pleasant and enjoyable by protecting and enhancing community standards through enforcement and partnering with associations, schools, and not-for-profits to educate the public about city bylaws.
In 2022, the City of Edmonton made the 30×30 pledge to increase the recruitment, retention and promotion of women in law enforcement in its Community Standards and Neighbourhoods Branch to at least 30 per cent by the year 2030. Two of the twelve new recruits in class #40 are women, and the City continues to promote inclusivity among its ranks to ensure its enforcement teams represent Edmonton’s diverse communities.
Congratulations and welcome to all the new recruits!
To learn more about how Edmonton’s Community Peace Officers serve communities and residents and how to join the team, visit edmonton.ca/EnforcementOfficers
