# Freedom From Police Violence

!!! danger "Urgent: Ongoing Police Violence"
    As Albertans, we must acknowledge that police violence isn't just an American problem - it's happening right here, right now. Through our tax dollars, we are funding a system that disproportionately affects Indigenous peoples, black and brown folks, and vulnerable communities. This systemic violence threatens everyone's freedom, and we must take responsibility for changing it.

!!! quote "Community Safety Wisdom"
    "Public safety means building communities where everyone feels safe, not just those with badges."

[Call Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety](tel:7804159550){ .md-button }
[Email Minister of Public Safety](https://influence.freealberta.org/campaign/police-accountability){ .md-button }

[Call ASIRT (Alberta Serious Incident Response Team)](tel:7804274924){ .md-button }
[Email ASIRT Director](https://influence.freealberta.org/campaign/asirt-investigation){ .md-button }

## Why Do We Need Freedom From Police Violence?

Because somehow we went from "protect and serve" to "command and control." Let's talk about why true freedom means addressing the ongoing impacts of police violence in Alberta.

### Our Current "Public Safety" System

!!! example "The Policing Experience Today"
    1. We call police for every social problem
    2. We militarize our police forces
    3. We ignore systemic racism
    4. We blame victims
    5. We call it "law and order"
    6. We repeat until someone calls it public safety

## What Real Freedom From Police Violence Looks Like

- Community safety (not just law enforcement)
- Mental health first responders (not armed response)
- Accountability (not just internal reviews)
- Restorative justice (not just punishment)
- Community oversight (not just police investigating police)

### But What About Crime?!

!!! info "Plot Twist"
    Public safety doesn't mean more police - it means addressing root causes and building stronger communities.

## What Reformed Public Safety Looks Like

- Community-led safety initiatives
- Mental health crisis teams
- Civilian oversight boards
- De-escalation as standard practice
- Cultural competency requirements
- Restorative justice programs

## The Economic Reality

When we reduce policing:

- Communities become safer
- Mental health improves
- Trust rebuilds
- Resources get better allocated
- Everyone benefits from community-centered safety

!!! warning "Reality Check"
    Reform without systemic change is just oppression with better PR.

!!! tip "Pro Freedom Tip"
    If we think police reform is too radical, let's remember that militarized policing was pretty radical too.

## Resources and Support

If you've experienced police violence:

- Know your rights
- Document everything
- Seek legal support
- Connect with advocacy groups
- Access mental health support

!!! warning "Emergency Situations"
    If you're in immediate danger, seek safety first. Document the incident when it's safe to do so.

## Moving Forward

Creating freedom from police violence requires systemic change and community engagement. It's about building a society where public safety means safety for everyone, not just some.

!!! info "Get Involved"
    Join local organizations working on police accountability and community safety initiatives. Change happens when communities come together.

Remember: Real freedom means freedom for everyone, and that includes freedom from the fear of those meant to protect us.

---

## Sources & Evidence

### Police Oversight Changes

- **ASIRT** (Alberta Serious Incident Response Team) is now part of the new **Police Review Commission** (restructured 2024)
- The **Alberta Police Misconduct Database** documents concerning patterns in policing
- Civilian oversight of police operations remains limited
- Source: [Alberta Police Review Commission](https://www.alberta.ca/police-review-commission)
- Source: [Alberta Police Misconduct Database](https://www.policemisconductdatabase.ca/)

### Indigenous Overrepresentation

- Indigenous people are **disproportionately affected** by policing practices in Alberta
- Indigenous peoples remain overrepresented in police encounters and corrections
- Indigenous women face significantly higher rates of violence
- Source: [Statistics Canada - Indigenous corrections](https://www.statcan.gc.ca/)
- Source: [MMIWG Final Report](https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/)

### Mental Health Crisis Response

- Mental health crisis calls are often handled by armed officers instead of appropriate crisis workers
- Community-based safety alternatives remain underfunded
- Investment in prevention programs lacking
- Source: [Canadian Mental Health Association - Alberta](https://alberta.cmha.ca/)

### Resources for Accountability

- [Alberta Civil Liberties Association](https://www.aclrc.com/)
- [Aboriginal Legal Services](https://www.aboriginallegal.ca/)
- [Criminal Trial Lawyers' Association](https://www.ctla.ca/)

![freealbertalogo](../assets/freealberta-logo-long-opaque.gif)