CEO Updates
Under the Police Conduct and Oversight Regulation, the chief executive officer (CEO) will publish a report when investigations surpass 180 days. These reports will also specify the reasons for the delay.
Please note: our office will be closed Dec. 24, 2025 to Jan. 1, 2026. We will resume regular hours on Jan. 2, 2026.
What Happens Next
A clear outline of the process after you submit a complaint.
Complaint screening
Once we receive your complaint, it goes through an initial screening process. This step ensures that the complaint is complete and falls within the PRC’s jurisdiction.
Completeness check
We assess if all necessary information and documentation have been provided. This includes details like dates, times, locations, and any supporting evidence you may have submitted. If any information is missing or unclear, we may contact you to request clarification.
Assessment of jurisdiction
We verify if the complaint is within our authority to investigate. This includes determining the appropriate classification level (Level 1 to Level 5).
Referral for further review
If your complaint falls outside the PRC’s jurisdiction or requires a different body for investigation, we will pass this onto the appropriate organization. We will inform you of the referral and next steps.
High level process overview
Once we receive your complaint, we'll evaluate it to determine the next steps. Find detailed explanations of the various levels, investigations, and possible outcomes below the flow chart.
How cases are sorted
The Police Review Commission (PRC) categorizes complaints into five levels, ensuring that each one is addressed appropriately. Here’s how complaints are sorted:
Level 1Death, serious injury, or sensitive nature
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) investigates cases of death, serious injury and serious or sensitive allegations involving all police services in Alberta. ASIRT also investigates incidents meeting this description when they involve peace officers.
Level 2Statutory offences
These are allegations of criminal offences and violations of other laws that don't meet the criteria for Level 1. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is responsible for investigating these types of allegations involving all police services in Alberta.
Level 3Misconduct
Complaints about potential breaches of the Police Conduct and Oversight Regulation, which governs officer conduct, are categorized under this level. This includes offences such as unlawful use of authority, deceit and neglect of duty. The PRC's jurisdiction at this level applies to officers working for municipal and First Nation police services.
Level 4Job performance
Complaints related to police officers' professional performance, such as failure to follow procedures or meet job expectations, are classified under this level. These complaints are referred to an officer's employer for resolution through internal processes.
Level 5Police service policy
Complaints about the policies, procedures or operations of a police service, rather than individual officers, fall under this level. These complaints are referred to the involved police service for resolution using its internal processes.
CombinationsComplaints involving multiple levels
In some cases, complaints may involve issues from multiple levels (e.g., misconduct and performance issues). These combined complaints are handled with careful attention to ensure that each element is addressed properly. Levels 1-3 remain under the PRC, while levels 4-5 are referred to the police service that's involved.
Alternative dispute resolution
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) can be used to resolve complaints before progressing to a full investigation or disciplinary hearing. ADR offers a voluntary, confidential, and non-adversarial environment where parties can communicate and explore potential solutions. This process is designed to foster understanding, rebuild trust, and offer a quicker, more collaborative resolution to issues.
When ADR is suggested
ADR is suitable for cases involving less serious allegations of misconduct, when the parties are open to finding a resolution through dialogue.
How it works
Once both parties consent to participate in this voluntary and confidential process, the PRC will help them try to reach an agreed-upon resolution.
Investigations
Once a complaint is received, the PRC undertakes a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure fairness and accountability. Investigations are key to upholding public trust and maintaining the integrity of policing. We gather all relevant information, review evidence, and interview involved parties to reach a conclusion. Here’s what happens during the investigation process:
Investigation timelines
We aim to resolve complaints promptly. The Police Conduct and Oversight Regulation directs the PRC to make reasonable efforts to complete investigations within 180 days of a complaint being categorized. The PRC’s chief executive officer is required to publicly report on investigations that exceed the 180-day timeline and provide reasons for the delay.
Investigation reports
Criminal charges resulting from an ASIRT investigation are communicated publicly via news releases. In cases that don't result in criminal charges, ASIRT publishes written reports outlining the investigation and detailing the decision from its executive director's decision.
Referred investigations
In some cases, complaints may be referred to external agencies for review. You will be informed and advised to follow up with the appropriate authorities.
Possible outcomes
After an investigation or resolution process, a decision is made regarding the complaint. These outcomes can vary based on the findings and severity of the issue. Here are examples of potential outcomes for a complaint.
Resolution
In cases where the complaint is resolved through dialogue, mediation, or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), both parties reach an agreed-upon solution that addresses the concerns raised. This can include apologies, clarifications, or changes in practices.
Disciplinary hearings
If a Level 3 complaint is unsuitable for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) or ADR is unsuccessful, a disciplinary hearing may be held. This provides an opportunity for the subject officer and the PRC to present their respective cases before a presiding officer, who is chosen from a roster of neutral third parties maintained by the PRC’s registrar. If the subject officer is found guilty of misconduct, possible penalties can include a reprimand, suspension without pay, reduction of rank, or dismissal.
Unsubstantiated complaints
If the investigation finds insufficient evidence to support the complaint, it may be considered unsubstantiated. In such cases, no further action is taken, but the complainant is informed of the findings and reasons for the decision.
File an appeal
Appeals and reviews of PRC decisions in non-criiminal misconduct cases (Level 3 complaints) are allowable in some instances set out in the Police Act. When your complaint is concluded, you will receive a written decision which will tell you whether you can appeal to the Law Enforcement Review Board (LERB), and how long you have to do so. Appeals can be made on the following grounds:
- You disagree with the CEO’s decision that there was no contravention of the Police Conduct and Oversight Regulation in your case.
- You disagree with the outcome of a disciplinary hearing.
- You disagree with your complaint being dismissed as frivolous/vexatious/bad faith.
Must be made in under 30 days
You must file an appeal in writing within 30 days of receiving a notification from the PRC about the outcome of your complaint.
How are appeals handled?
Once the LERB receives an appeal, it will review the request. Depending on its findings, the LERB may direct further action on the case or dismiss the appeal.
FAQs
These are some of the most common inquiries we receive. For additional information, check out our full FAQ below. If you need further assistance, our team is always ready to help.
Can I withdraw a complaint?
Yes. Call the PRC at 780-644-0306 or email PRCcomplaints@gov.ab.ca to start the process.
Can I review my complaint?
Yes, if you submitted your complaint using the online portal. After logging into the complaint portal, choose the “My Submissions” option to view your complaint.
How long does it take to hear back from the PRC?
The PRC is committed to providing status updates when they’re available. After you make a submission, the case management team should be in touch within five business days to notify you if it meets the requirements for proceeding as a complaint.
The PRC will provide status updates to the involved parties every 60 days, or when there’s a change in the status of your case. If you filed your complaint using the online portal, you can check on the status of your case at any time by clicking the “check complaint status” button on the PRC website.
Make a complaint
Start the process of making a complaint against a police officer. Your complaints will be dealt with via fair and thorough investigations, and transparent reporting.
Check complaint status
You can always check in on the status of your complaint. Timelines can vary on a case-by-case basis, but we aim to resolve complaints within 180 days.
