Police Conduct Complaints in Calgary - How to File

Public Safety Alberta 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Alberta

Residents of Calgary, Alberta can file complaints about police conduct through Calgary Police Service processes and provincial oversight for serious incidents. This guide explains where to start, the departments involved, likely outcomes, and practical steps to submit, track, and appeal a complaint.

Keep a clear timeline and copies of all communications when you file a complaint.

What counts as a police conduct complaint

Complaints can cover officer behaviour, use of force, discrimination, neglect of duty, or procedural issues. For deaths or serious injuries involving police, an independent provincial investigator may take the lead.

How to file

Common filing routes are an online or paper complaint to Calgary Police Service Professional Standards, an intake to the Calgary Police Commission where applicable, or referral to the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) for serious incidents. For the Calgary Police Service complaint process and forms, see the official complaint page[1].

  • Submit a complaint: online form or mail to Professional Standards/unit indicated on the City page.
  • Telephone intake: use the contact numbers listed on the official complaint page.
  • Provide evidence: photos, video, witness names, dates, and a clear chronology.

Penalties & Enforcement

Sanctions for substantiated misconduct depend on findings by Calgary Police Service Professional Standards, the Calgary Police Commission, or provincial investigators; specific fine amounts and structured penalties are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed on the enforcing body's decision notices or orders (current as of February 2026). The main enforcement pathways are administrative discipline, orders, corrective training, suspension, termination, and criminal charges when laws are breached.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Administrative sanctions: counselling, retraining, reprimand, suspension or dismissal where supported by internal findings.
  • Independent investigation: ASIRT can investigate deaths or serious injuries; outcomes may include referral for criminal charges.
  • Enforcers and contacts: Professional Standards (Calgary Police Service); Calgary Police Commission for civilian oversight; ASIRT for serious incidents.
  • Appeals and reviews: internal review processes or external review/appeal routes vary by outcome; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page (current as of February 2026).
Appeals and specific fine amounts are usually published in decision letters rather than on the general complaints overview page.

Applications & Forms

The City of Calgary publishes an official complaint form and submission instructions on its police complaint page; the name, form number, fees (if any), and precise submission address or electronic portal are on that page or linked documents. If a specific form number or fee is not shown on the overview page, it is not specified on the cited page.[1]

How-To

  1. Document the incident with dates, times, names, and any evidence.
  2. Use the Calgary Police Service official complaint form or contact Professional Standards by phone to file the complaint.
  3. Retain copies and request a file or reference number for tracking.
  4. If the incident involves serious injury or death, ask whether ASIRT will investigate.
  5. Follow up with the office that received the complaint and note any deadlines to request review or appeal.

FAQ

How long do I have to file a complaint?
Time limits vary by process; the general overview does not list a fixed deadline, so submit as soon as possible and check the official page for any specified limits.
Can I remain anonymous?
Anonymous concerns may be accepted for information, but the complainant may need to provide contact details for a formal investigation; check the intake rules on the official page.
Will filing a complaint stop a criminal prosecution?
No. Criminal investigations and internal disciplinary processes are separate; a complaint does not by itself block criminal charges nor guarantee them.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with Calgary Police Service Professional Standards and keep thorough records.
  • ASIRT handles deaths and serious injuries; ask about referral immediately.
  • Penalties and appeals depend on the investigating body; consult decision notices for specifics.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Calgary - Public complaints about police (Professional Standards)

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