Edmonton Police Commission wants councillor members replaced by public reps – Edmonton [Video]

The Edmonton Police Commission is proposing that city councillors no longer sit on the civilian body that oversees policing in the city.

A report heading to council on Tuesday recommends that city council replace councillor members on the Edmonton Police Commission with members of the public.

Having city councillors on police commissions is a common occurrence in Canadian cities. There are currently two members of Edmonton City Council who sit on the Edmonton Police Commission.

The report states “the voices and opinions of councillors tend to far outweigh those of regular commissioners” and that “council members bring political and council influence into the room with them.”

Sspomitapi Coun. Jo-Anne Wright, who sits on the commission, said she wants to know what the public thinks about the idea.

“When I’m in council, I’m a councillor. When I’m on the commission, I’m a commissioner,” Wright said.

O-day’min Coun. Anne Stevenson, who also sits …