ASIRT executive director is city’s newest provincial court judge
The executive director of the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is Edmonton’s newest provincial court judge, says a news release from Alberta Justice.
Clifton Purvis became the head of ASIRT when it was founded in 2007. The provincial agency investigates serious incidents involving police officers, including cases that result in grave injuries or death. He has presided over high-profile cases, including a violent shooting in St. Paul this May.
He previously served as an organized-crime prosecutor and was the lead prosecutor assigned to the RCMP’s Project KARE, which investigates cases of missing and murdered high-risk people across Alberta.
“I’m pleased to welcome Mr. Purvis as a member of the provincial court judiciary. His legal career and commitment to public safety through his work with the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team indicate his long-standing service to Albertans,” Justice Minister Jonathan Denis said in a statement Thursday.
Purvis is recognized as an expert on the oversight and investigation of police, the news release said.
Purvis said in a statement he “is honoured to receive this appointment” and “wishes to thank all Albertans for the opportunity to have served in ASIRT.”
Susan Hughson, director of the appeals unit with Alberta’s Crown prosecution service for the past six years, will act as ASIRT’s interim executive director, effective immediately, while a replacement for Purvis is recruited. She has more than 23 years of Crown experience.
The Alberta Judicial Council screens all candidates for provincial-court appointments, then forwards a shortlist to the provincial court nominating committee for interviewing. The committee then recommends the top candidates to the minister of justice and solicitor general.