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Independent Police Oversight in Alberta: What We Learned from the PRC

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On September 17, we welcomed the Alberta Police Review Commission (PRC) to ANIW for an open conversation with our community. Thank you to Dana Middleton (Indigenous Liaison), Ojemire (Benjamin) Daniel (Community and Commission Liaison), and Jason van Rassel (Senior Manager, Community Connections) for joining us, and to everyone who came out.

Here is a recap for those who couldn’t make it.

Why independent oversight matters

The PRC was established on December 1, 2025. It brings serious incident investigations (ASIRT) and code of conduct complaints together under one independent agency, investigating potential criminal wrongdoing and non-criminal misconduct.

The idea is simple: public trust is essential to effective policing, and accountability strengthens institutions. People should feel confident that the process is fair and transparent, and confident enough to come forward if they have a negative experience with police.

The PRC’s staff are civilians. They don’t wear uniforms, and they are not police. They also don’t provide legal advice, can’t overturn court decisions, and are not an emergency service. As they put it, “We belong to everybody, but we don’t belong to anybody.”

Filing a complaint

A complaint includes the complainant’s name and contact info, a description of the incident, the date, the officers involved, and the police service. If the complainant doesn’t have every detail, such as an officer’s name, they can still file. The PRC emphasized that missing information should not be a barrier.

Complaints can be filed online, by phone, or by email, and the PRC can accept other methods to accommodate the complainant. Multilingual staff can help when able, professional interpreters are available at any point, and a support person can interpret during conversations. Brochures are being translated into more languages.

PRC staff also receive trauma-informed training, along with training on the history of policing in Canada and the history of harmful policies affecting Indigenous peoples and newcomers.

Building trust in the process

The PRC is working to build trust in the process. For the most serious complaints (Levels 1 to 3), the PRC is required to make reasonable efforts to complete investigations within 180 days, and the clock starts once the complaint has been categorized. Complainants are kept informed along the way. For transparency, the PRC also publishes quarterly reports on its website, including how many files went past 180 days and why.

Complaints can have two possible outcomes: substantiated or unsubstantiated. If a complaint is unsubstantiated, there wasn’t enough evidence to go on, despite efforts at triangulation and investigation. If it is substantiated, it can be resolved through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) or a disciplinary hearing. ADR is a voluntary process, done with consent, where the complainant and officer work toward an agreed outcome. Depending on the complaint, that can range from the officer acknowledging the incident to mediation or a restorative dialogue.

The Q&A that followed was insightful, with an important conversation about recognizing lived experiences and how developing training and data can support the PRC’s work over time.

Learn more

Processes can change, so visit AlbertaPRC.ca for the most current information, and share this with someone who might need it.

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Ivonne Toledo (Director at large)

International trained Lawer, graduated in Mexico with two bachelors, one in English Language and other in Laws.

Settled in Canada six years ago, faced all the vicissitudes of the immigrants. Now part of an immigration legal team, I want to contribute with team of the board of directors here in ANIW trying to help immigrant women to find their way in this country

Ramona Fernando

Ramona Fernando moved to Edmonton from Sri Lanka in 2000. I am a financial strategist by profession graduated from NAIT in 2016 with a degree in Accounting. I have worked in the banking, hospitality, event planning, accounting, taxation and non-for-profit sectors. Currently I am working at the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights as the Office and Financial Manager. My passion is serving the community, mentoring and coaching youth, adults and seniors. I spent my spare time with family cooking, reading, singing, gardening and learning new challenges in life and community.

Dr. Elham Rahmani

As a dual-immigrant woman, wife, and mother, I am passionate about empowering immigrant women across Alberta through inclusion, connection, and community engagement. With a Ph.D. and over 10 years of experience in research, data analysis, and project development, I bring strong skills in strategic planning and community outreach.

My involvement in building the Iranian community in Lethbridge and organizing cultural initiatives has helped create supportive spaces for immigrant women and families. As a volunteer board member with the Alberta Network of Immigrant Women, I am committed to promoting equality, representation, and empowerment for immigrant women throughout Alberta.

Tracey Campbell

Tracey Campbell is an experienced career practitioner with over 20 years of expertise in career development, employment counseling, and public policy. As a former Senior Policy Analyst with the Government of Alberta, she has contributed to initiatives that support workforce development, diversity, and inclusion. Tracey is deeply passionate about empowering women and newcomers to reach their full potential through meaningful career pathways and community engagement. She looks forward to connecting with individuals and agencies to share knowledge, provide guidance, and collaborate on initiatives that strengthen employment opportunities and social wellbeing.

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Dr. Sandra Dixon

Dr. Sandra Dixon is a Registered Psychologist, Certified Life Coach, and Associate Professor at the University of Lethbridge. Her research focuses on spirituality, race, gender, immigration, and social justice, with special attention to racial trauma and anti-Black racism. She actively serves on several community and professional boards, including the Alberta Network of Immigrant Women. Recognized for her leadership and dedication to equity and inclusion, Dr. Dixon has received multiple awards for her teaching, community service, and advocacy in promoting social justice.

Heidy Panameno (Secretary)

Heidy is an award-winning director, producer, and Emily Carr Institute graduate recognized for her community-building vision and creative leadership. Founder of Panameno Productions, she empowers emerging leaders in arts and culture, fostering collaboration and meaningful, educational media. Her work bridges Indigenous and multicultural communities to preserve storytelling and history. A published author and respected mentor, Heidy has inspired youth through film programs across school boards. Her lifelong mission is to use visual media to build safe, vibrant, and sustainable communities. Her achievements are featured in the Women’s Art Museum of Canada.

Hina Thaker (Treasurer)
Hina comes from a legal practice background of regulatory, privacy, labour and employment and human rights law. She has experience in both the private and public sectors as well as not-for-profit organizations. Her previous roles include in-house counsel at he Canadian Cattle Identification Agency, the Calgary Police Service and an Associate at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin. Hina has been practicing for 20 years and has gained board experience as a corporate secretary, and director throughout her career. She served on the ANIW board for several years in the past and has returned to the board again in 2025. 
Abby Aiyeleye

Abby Aiyeleye is a certified project manager and business analyst with over twelve years of international experience. Holding a Business Administration degree from the University of Greenwich, she is dedicated to empowering underrepresented groups through volunteer work. As a member of the Women’s Advocacy Voice of Edmonton and ANIW, Abby is passionate about helping immigrant women thrive in Alberta and Canada. She encourages women to pursue ambitious careers and businesses while maintaining strong family values.

Dr. Maria Louisa Torres (President)

A mathematician born and raised in Mexico City.  I immigrated to Canada for further studies and a professional life in academia. I am involved with the Latin American Literary Association, Calgary Mexican Association and the Calgary Police Services. Other interests included working for the El Salvador Solidarity of McMaster’s University and the Hamilton Police Services. I am currently the president. I am passionate about the work that ANIW does to empower immigrant women.