About

About Us

As Prince Edward Island’s largest municipal police service, Charlottetown Police Services serves the province’s capital and largest city. Our community is home to government institutions, a thriving business and tourism sector, and key transportation hubs, including the Charlottetown Alex. B. Campbell Airport and Port Charlottetown. 

The department is staffed with a range of expertise, aligned within five main operations units including: Street Crime, Major Crime including Forensic Identification and Digital Forensics, Tactical Response, Community Wellness and General Patrol. The administrative units include Telecommunications, Court, Records and Property, Parking and Technology.

Everything we do is driven by the strategic direction set out in our Vision, Mission and Values. We pride ourselves in being accountable to our community.

Land Acknowledgment

In the spirit of Reconciliation, we acknowledge that the land upon which Charlottetown stands is unceded Mi’kmaq territory. Epekwitk (PEI), Mi’kma’ki, is covered by the historic Treaties of Peace and Friendship. We pay our respects to the Indigenous Mi’kmaq People who have occupied this Island for over 12,000 years; past, present and future.

Leadership Team

Governance

Charlottetown Police Services is a department of the City of Charlottetown and reports to Council through the Protective & Emergency Services Committee.

Protective & Emergency Services Committee

The Protective & Emergency Services Committee is the designated Committee of Council that reports into Charlottetown City Council, the governing body for Charlottetown Police Services. City Council is responsible for ensuring that the police service abides by regulations and procedures set out in law and through City policy.

View Meeting Calendar

View Meetings Packages

View Meeting Agendas

Watch Council and Committee Meetings (live and archived)

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Chief of Police 

The Chief of Police is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the police service and oversees operational decisions in accordance with the objectives, priorities and policies established by City Council and the Chief Administrative Officer. The Chief of Police works with CPS’ Leadership Team to make these operational decisions consistent with the governing law and City policy.

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Police Act

The Police Act establishes a framework for policing in Prince Edward Island and defines standard conduct and authority, along with how to handle public complaints. The Act was last updated on November 29, 2023. 

Click here to view the Police Act

PEI Policing Standards

On December 11, 2025, the Government of PEI introduced the province’s first-ever Policing Standards, which provide a comprehensive framework for governing police services on PEI. The PEI Policing Standards aim to modernize policing services, ensure that all agencies are consistent in their practices, and ultimately improve accountability and responsiveness for communities across the province.

Click here to view the PEI Police Standards

Budget

Every year, Charlottetown Police Service works through a detailed budget process to make sure we’re planning responsibly and meeting the evolving needs of our growing community. The department then presents its proposed annual budget to the Protective & Emergency Services Committee and City Council.

Budget Snapshot:

To learn more about CPS’ budget, visit:
www.charlottetown.ca/mayor___council/finance/annual_budget 

Professional Standards

The Professional Standards Office is tasked with ensuring that all members of Charlottetown Police Services are adhering to the highest standards of professional conduct.

This includes developing policies, monitoring behavior, reviewing complaints, investigating misconduct, and providing oversight, to ensure the department remains committed to best practices, transparency and accountability.

History

About the Department

Charlottetown Police Services is one of Canada’s oldest police departments, dating back to August 17, 1855 – just four months after the community of 6,500 became a city. Six days after holding its first meeting, council decided to appoint six police officers, to be attached to the city’s five wards. The city police “communication system” was rudimentary during the force’s early years. The desk Sergeant would turn on a light in front of the city hall station. Patrol officers were ordered to regularly go past the station and drop in to receive further instructions if the light was on.

Since its humble beginnings, the department has continued to grow. The foundation of our growth comes from the dedicated members and staff, investments in technology, and a commitment to best practices and continuous improvement.