Police Review Commission directs ASIRT to investigate Edmonton Police Service letter to Crown prosecutors

EDMONTON — The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating allegations arising from a letter sent by the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) to the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service (ACPS) during an active criminal prosecution.

The ASIRT investigation focuses on the Sept. 8, 2025 letter sent by EPS to a senior ACPS official in relation to the prosecution of Ashley Rattlesnake, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of eight-year-old Nina Napope Dumais. In sentencing Rattlesnake to eight years on Feb. 27, 2026, Justice Jody Fraser identified potential misconduct associated with the letter.

ASIRT, a branch of the Police Review Commission (PRC), is announcing the investigation following completion of the procedural steps required to initiate the matter.

On June 5, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis referred the matter to the PRC, leaving any decision on further action to the discretion of the PRC.

The then-acting CEO of the PRC initiated a complaint under Sec. 42.1 of the Police Act, categorized the matter as a Level 1 complaint, and directed ASIRT to investigate. Level 1 matters include incidents involving serious injury or death, as well as serious or sensitive allegations involving police conduct.

“ASIRT’s role is to provide independent oversight when serious or sensitive questions arise about police conduct. This investigation will be conducted carefully, fairly and without predetermined conclusions,” said Matthew Block, ASIRT’s acting executive director. “Our responsibility is to follow the evidence, assess the matter within our mandate and provide the public with confidence that the process is independent.”

The categorization of a complaint and the opening of an investigation are not findings of misconduct. ASIRT will not comment on evidence or potential outcomes while the investigation is ongoing.

ASIRT operates within the Police Review Commission (PRC), an independent, civilian-led agency responsible for investigating criminal allegations and serious incidents involving police services in Alberta. ASIRT conducts independent and objective investigations into incidents resulting in death, serious injury, or potential criminal offences involving police services, as well as serious matters involving peace officers.

Media contact

PRCmedia@gov.ab.ca

780-644-0306