Retired judge to oversee review of Alberta's police watchdog, Crown prosecutors

The Alberta government says a retired judge has been appointed to oversee a review of the province's police watchdog and Crown prosecution service. The Alberta Legislature is shown in Edmonton on Oct. 31, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

EDMONTON — The Alberta government says a retired judge has been appointed to oversee a review of the province's police watchdog and Crown prosecution service.

Alberta Justice spokeswoman Heather Jenkins says former Appeal Court justice Peter Martin was hired in November to conduct the review.

She says the ministry is to review Martin's report once it's complete and consider any recommendations.

The review is to examine current policies and practices with the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team and prosecution service, and look at findings from other jurisdictions.

It comes after recent decisions by the watchdog found officers had committed offenses but criminal charges weren't pursued.

Justice Minister Mickey Amery announced last year that he planned to initiate the review.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 30, 2025.

The Canadian Press