WOMEN IN POLICING

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Edmonton Police Service Recruiting > About EPS > History of Excellence

History of Excellence

In 1892, Edmonton’s first constable pledged to protect the lives and property of the citizens of Edmonton as Town Constable for the Edmonton Police Department (EPD).

Today, the Edmonton Police Service is known as one of the most modern and progressive police organizations in North America, employing approximately 1,531 sworn police officers and over 500 non-sworn members.

Fun facts about the EPS:

  • P.D. Campbell was the first police officer hired on July 27, 1892 by the town of Edmonton and his duties included enforcing the law as well as being a health and license inspector.
  • In the first decade, the EPD consisted of two constables, a bicycle, and two whistles.
  • In 1911, Alex Decoteau became the first Aboriginal to be hired by a police department in Canada when Edmonton hired him.
  • On October 1, 1912, Annie Jackson was hired on as Edmonton's first female police officer, winning out over a field of 47 applicants.
  • In 1919, the Edmonton Police Department used an airplane in pursuit of a criminal. This was the first time a Canadian police service used this tactic.
  • Basic Training Class number one graduated in 1955 with 28 members completing the course.
  • Crime Stoppers came to Edmonton in 1983, and has received over 31,000 tips since that time.