The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has concluded its investigation into the actions of Edmonton Police Service officers during a 2021 incident that resulted in a man's death. The police watchdog has recommended no criminal charges be laid against the involved officers.
Details of the 2021 Incident
The investigation centered on an event that occurred in 2021, where Edmonton police officers interacted with a man who subsequently died from a drug overdose. ASIRT, the independent body tasked with investigating police actions that result in serious injury or death, conducted a thorough review of the circumstances.
While the specific details of the interaction were not fully disclosed in the public report, ASIRT's mandate is to determine whether an officer's actions may have constituted a criminal offence. After examining the evidence, which typically includes witness statements, police reports, and forensic analysis, the agency determined that the threshold for criminal charges was not met in this case.
ASIRT's Role and Findings
ASIRT's primary function is to ensure transparency and accountability in incidents involving police. Their investigations are independent of the police services involved. In this instance, relating to the 2021 overdose death in Edmonton, the investigation aimed to ascertain if the officers' conduct was lawful and proportionate.
The recommendation of no charges indicates that, based on the evidence reviewed, ASIRT found no reasonable likelihood of conviction for any criminal offence, such as criminal negligence causing death or manslaughter. This conclusion does not necessarily comment on potential breaches of internal police policy, which would be a separate matter for the Edmonton Police Service to review.
Context and Community Impact
Cases involving in-custody deaths or deaths following police interaction are often subject to significant public scrutiny and can impact community trust. The ASIRT process is designed to provide an objective assessment. The announcement regarding this 2021 case was made public in December 2025, marking the end of a multi-year investigative process.
Outcomes where no charges are recommended can be difficult for the families of the deceased and for communities seeking answers. ASIRT's public reports typically summarize findings without revealing all investigative details to protect privacy and legal processes. The conclusion of this investigation allows the Edmonton Police Service and the community to move forward with a definitive legal finding on the matter.
