Concerns & Complaints

Concerns and Complaints

All complaints are treated seriously and members of the public who have a complaint against the police service are encouraged to report it.

If you have a concern about the conduct of a police officer or the services provided by the LPS, you are welcome to attend the police station in-person or call the Staff Sergeant on duty at 403-327-2210 during business hours to discuss the matter. The officer will listen to your concern and see if it can be addressed informally, perhaps by providing you with additional information in the form of a Citizen Contact. 

Citizen Contacts are reported to the Commission by the Service through the Public Complaints Director.

Making a Formal Complaint

If you are not satisfied with efforts to resolve your concern, or you prefer to file a complaint rather than speaking to someone at LPS, a formal complaint may be directed to the Police Review Commission (PRC).

The PRC is an independent civilian agency formed by the provincial government on December 1, 2025 to investigate serious incidents, criminal allegations and public complaints involving police in Alberta. Their mandate is to conduct fair, unbiased investigations that hold law enforcement accountable while strengthening public confidence in policing across Alberta.

What qualifies as a complaint?
  • Level 1: Death, serious injury, or serious/sensitive allegations.
  • Level 2: Criminal or statutory offences.
  • Level 3: Non-criminal misconduct (municipal and First nations police).
  • Level 4 & 5: Job performance or policy complaints.

For more information and to access contact details, visit the Police Review Commission (PRC) website at https://www.albertaprc.ca/

All complaints made prior to Dec. 1st remain the responsibility of the Lethbridge Police Service. If you have a question about a complaint you made prior to Dec.1st, 2025 please contact LPS with your concern.

Level 4 & 5 complaints also remain the responsibility of the Lethbridge Police Service. Should you want to make a level 4 or 5 complaint (job performance or policy complaints), please contact LPS at 403-327-2210.

If your complaint covers more than one level, or if you are unsure which level your complaint would be categorized at, begin by contacting the PRC at  https://www.albertaprc.ca/ who will categorize the complaint for you and notify the required body.

The Commission’s Role in Complaint Oversight

A summary of complaints (of all levels) is received and reviewed by the Commission monthly.

The Commission’s role is:

  • providing civilian oversight of the complaint system; 
  •  receiving assurance that complaints are handled lawfully, fairly, and in a timely manner; 
  • identifying systemic or governance-level issues arising from complaints; and 
  •  promoting transparency and public confidence in policing.