Alberta Record

· Order in Council / Legislative Precinct Security Regulation · in-force

Legislative Precinct Security Regulation

This Order in Council enacts the Legislative Precinct Security Regulation, establishing detailed rules for the eligibility, appointment, training, conduct, and reporting requirements for legislative security officers in Alberta.

High impactInstitutional independenceCentralization of powerCivil libertiesCourtsThe public, directlyLegislature

What changed

  • Establishes eligibility criteria for legislative security officers, including education, age, criminal record checks, physical abilities, and psychological assessments.
  • Mandates post-appointment requirements for officers, including weapon certification and training as determined by the Legislative Assembly Office.
  • Grants the Speaker authority to suspend or cancel a legislative security officer's appointment for specified reasons, including criminal charges or conduct bringing the office into disrepute.
  • Requires legislative security officers to report use of force, use of prescribed weapons, and loss or theft of weapons to the Legislative Assembly Office.
  • Mandates the Legislative Assembly Office to report incidents involving excessive force or prescribed weapon use to the police of jurisdiction within 24 hours.
  • Requires reporting of serious or sensitive matters, or incidents of serious injury or death within the legislative precinct, to the Legislative Assembly Office and the Director of Law Enforcement.

Why it matters

  • Formalizes the operational and accountability framework for legislative security officers, clarifying their roles and responsibilities within the legislative precinct.
  • Introduces standardized requirements for officer qualifications, training, and professional development, promoting consistent conduct and competence.
  • Establishes clear internal and external reporting mechanisms for incidents involving use of force, weapons, or serious harm, enhancing oversight and accountability.
  • Centralizes authority for officer appointments, suspensions, and cancellations with the Speaker and the Legislative Assembly Office, clarifying the chain of command.
  • Ensures that serious incidents involving legislative security officers are reported to external law enforcement authorities, providing an independent review pathway.

Rights affected

  • Privacy — Control over personal information held by governments and institutions.
  • Access to information — The ability to see public records and government decisions.

Other governance concerns

  • Changes to the legal framework governing justice matters
  • Potential impact on existing legal rights and obligations, dependent on the specific amendments
  • Ministerial discretion in setting program protocols and procedures for electronic monitoring.
  • Privacy implications for individuals subject to electronic monitoring technology.
  • Potential for friction between ministerial program administration and judicial orders regarding monitoring conditions.
  • Accountability for use of force by legislative security officers.
  • Transparency of security operations within the legislative precinct.
  • Standardization of training and conduct for security personnel.
  • Oversight mechanisms for serious incidents involving security officers.

Primary sources (3)