Police Commission gaining two public members

Medicine Hat’s Police Commission will grow by two public members in 2018.

City council approved a recommendation Tuesday to increase the size of the oversight body in hopes of better governance and public confidence in the independent nature of the commission.

It will “add diversity and richer decision making,” according to background that accompanied the item, and avoid quorum issues that sometimes materialize.

“It will increase public engagement and give some greater credibility to the body,” said Coun. Julie Friesen. “Whether it’s real or perceived (problem) that would exist.”

For years the commission was made up of two council members (currently Friesen and Coun. Robert Dumanowski) and three public members, for a total of five.

Those public seats are filled by applicants from the general population. Their number would increase to five on Jan. 1, 2018.

A total of seven voting members will approve budgets and oversee finances, provide public viewpoints on policing policy, review complaints and consider appeals.

Coun. Bill Cocks, who heads council’s administrative and legislative review committee, said Tuesday the changes would further advertise the “vital role that public oversight plays” in policing.

The positions, initially for a one- and a two-year term, will be advertised this fall, with selections made by council as usual later in the year.