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

Interesting facts about the EPS:

• On July 27, 1892, P.D. Campbell was the first police officer hired by the town of Edmonton. 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 EPD hired him.
• On October 1, 1912, Annie Jackson was hired as Edmonton's first female police officer, winning out over a field of 47 applicants.
• In 1919, the EPD used an airplane in pursuit of a criminal. This was the first time a Canadian police service used this tactic.
• The first basic training class graduated 28 members in 1955.
• Crime Stoppers came to Edmonton in 1983, and has received more than 31,000 tips since that time.