Municipal police board mandate and responsibilities

The mandate of a police board is to establish and operate a police department in their municipality. The police department is responsible for maintaining order, preventing crime and enforcing municipal bylaws, provincial laws and federal criminal code laws.

A police board performs four main governance functions:

1. Employer of all sworn and civilian staff.
2. Establishes policies and set the direction for the police department.
3. Develops the annual police department budget.
4. Discipline authority for policy and service complaints, with the chair being responsible for discipline matters related to the Chief Constable and deputy.

Police boards usually meet every month. Members may also be asked to sit on sub-committees such as finance or human resources. They may also participate in panels or attend other meetings to deal with specific issues.

• B.C. Police Board Handbook – Resource Document on Roles and Responsibilities under the Police Act – 2015