Edmonton Police Service

Today we take a moment to remember PSD Titus, who lost his life protecting our city. Described as very playful and mischievous, Titus earned the nickname "punchout" because as he matured, he developed two black circles around his eyes. Just prior to midnight on Aug. 27, an armed robbery was reported from a south side convenience store. Two men with knives had entered and demanded money, leaving after tying up the clerk. The two suspects jumped into a waiting Fiero and sped off. Within minutes, several patrol cars were in the immediate area, spotted the Fiero, and a chase began. The pursuit concluded with the Fiero hitting a dead end on the service road just off the Capilano Freeway and 101 Ave. The two occupants fled; however, the passenger was apprehended immediately. The driver continued to run southbound along the east side of 75 St. PSD Titus was deployed and began chasing the suspect. He reached the subject and jumped to apprehend him when both were struck by a vehicle. Titus was transported to the emergency vet where he passed away. Rest in Peace Titus, we will always remember you.

“Whatever path you choose, remember the possibilities that you are creating for yourself and others.” It was a bittersweet farewell as youth in the Oskayak Police Academy celebrated their graduation ceremony and many accomplishments. Over their two-weeks in Oskayak, youth and police officers participated in numerous activities to better understand each other’s worlds. Whether getting a peek into police operations, being immersed in Indigenous culture, or playing sports together, they had the opportunity to connect one-on-one and build new relationships. At the graduation, the youth were encouraged to be leaders and trailblazers, to share their voices, and not be afraid to make changes in themselves or the community. “We just have to be open to opportunities to share our gifts and talents with those around us. Make your world a better place.” A big shout out to all the Oskayak community partners for helping create a meaningful experience for youth: Elder Tom Snow, Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, Edmonton Native Healing Centre, Edmonton Police Foundation, TD Canada Trust, and Speeders Edmonton. Please join us in congratulating the Oskayak graduates!

“Getting people in encampments to accept help is complicated. There is a lot that goes into that yes or no equation. But what became clear from the first day the Nav Centre opened, is that the equation did change, immediately and persuasively.” In an editorial in the Edmonton Journal, Chief McFee responds to recent discussions about encampments. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gUd9Bfei

Oskayak Police Academy continues this week with even more fun and educational activities. Youth enjoyed a unique show-and-tell at Vallevand Kennels where they learned how the EPS Canine, Tactical, and Air 1 units help to keep our city safe. Showing their community spirit, they joined EPS HELP teams and distributed lunches and toiletries to vulnerable community members downtown. They also participated in an Indigenous sweat lodge ceremony for their journey forward as young adults, which was conducted by Elder Tom Snow at Bent Arrow. These are just a few of the opportunities made possible for Indigenous youth through the support of Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, Edmonton Native Healing Centre, Edmonton Police Foundation, and TD Canada Trust.

The 10th Annual Oskayak Police Academy kicked off this week for 25 Indigenous youth eager to learn more about policing and Indigenous culture. Youth took part in a sharing circle with Chief Dale McFee, a forensics crime scene examination, a challenging police recruit obstacle course, a friendly soccer game with EPS members, the creation of Indigenous ribbon skirts and shirts, tipi teachings, and daily smudges. The activities provided lots of opportunities for youth and police officers to get to know each other and there are many more fun events planned for next week. Special thanks to the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, Edmonton Native Healing Centre, Edmonton Police Foundation, and TD Canada Trust for helping make this possible.

The Edmonton Police Service and community partners celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Oskayak Police Academy by unveiling the new EPS tipi trailer. The trailer design incorporates a mural that illustrates a bright path forward for Indigenous youth and police in Edmonton. The trailer will transport an EPS-branded tipi to Indigenous cultural events across Edmonton and the surrounding area. The Oskayak Police Academy, which starts this week, brings teens and police officers together for a cross-cultural experience that challenges stereotypes and helps them better understand one another. The Oskayak Police Academy is a joint venture between Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society and Edmonton Police Service and is funded through the Edmonton Police Foundation. The trailer wrap was funded by Bent Arrow.

In honour of National Peacekeepers Day, the Edmonton Police Service has raised the Peacekeeping flag at our Downtown Division. We would like to acknowledge more than 70 EPS members who served on peacekeeping missions throughout the years. We express our deepest gratitude to you and all Canadians who served and continue to do so. #nationalpeacekeepersday #thankyou

On behalf of the Edmonton Police Service, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the brave Alberta Wildland Firefighter who tragically lost their life while battling a wildfire in Jasper National Park.

About last night... Our flight operations crew captured this stunning shot of the northern lights. Air1 protects the city with a view like no other! #Air1 #NorthernLights #Police #NightPatrol #yeg

Visit our EPS Recruiters this weekend at the Heritage Days Festival! Chat with us about a policing career from August 3-5 at the main entrance! #yegcareer #JoinEPS #policingcareer