close up photo of police siren. A peace officer can direct you to pull over in Alberta, Canada.

A Peace Officer in Alberta is more than one type of officer. It is a term that covers several kinds.

While you may have seen vehicles that say ”Peace Officer” on the side, many other officers are considered Peace Officers in the law.

Can a Peace Officer pull you over in Alberta?

Peace Officers can legally pull your vehicle over for a traffic stop in Alberta.

According to the Alberta Traffic Safety Act, a peace officer may signal or direct a driver of a vehicle to stop the vehicle, and request your drivers license and other information from the driver of the vehicle and any passengers in the vehicle.

Division 3 Peace Officers "stopping for a peace officer" section of the traffic safety act.

It continues on from there to explain more activities that a Peace Officer may do.

Full Alberta Traffic Safety Act

You will find this section by scrolling all the way down to Section 8: Division 3: ”Peace Officers”.

What is a Peace Officer in Alberta?

The Alberta Traffic Safety Act defines a ”Peace Officer” as a police officer under the Police Act; a member of a police service under the Police Act; an investigator designated under section 2.1; a peace officer appointed under the Peace Officer Act for the purposes of this Act; a park warden appointed under the Parks Canada Agency Act (Canada); a conservation officer appointed under section 1 of Schedule 3.1 to the Government Organization Act; a forest officer appointed under the Forests Act; a wildlife officer appointed under the Wildlife Act.

This is all found under the same act linked to above. It is under the “Interpretation” section.

Authority of Peace Officers in Alberta

Peace officers in Alberta have specific authority granted by laws such as the Criminal Code of Canada and provincial regulations. Their responsibilities include enforcing traffic laws and responding to community issues. Depending on their role and training, peace officers, including sheriffs and municipal enforcement, are empowered to uphold these laws to ensure public safety.

Differences Between Peace Officers and Police Officers

In Alberta, both peace officers and police officers play crucial roles in enforcing laws, but there are distinct differences in their duties and jurisdictions.

Police officers have a broader scope of authority. They are responsible for enforcing the Criminal Code of Canada, investigating serious crimes such as theft, assault, and drug offenses, and maintaining overall public safety. Police officers work for municipal police services, such as the Calgary Police Service or the Edmonton Police Service, or federal agencies like the RCMP. They are empowered to arrest individuals, execute search warrants, and investigate a wide range of criminal activities beyond traffic violations.

On the other hand, peace officers have more specialized duties. They are typically employed by municipalities or government agencies, and their responsibilities often focus on the enforcement of municipal bylaws, traffic regulations, and other provincial statutes. In Alberta, peace officers may work for organizations like Alberta Transportation or municipal bylaw services. They commonly address traffic issues, parking violations, and animal control, but do not handle criminal investigations or have the same arrest powers as police officers.

However, when it comes to traffic enforcement, peace officers have similar powers to police officers. Both types of officers can stop a vehicle if they suspect a violation of traffic laws, such as speeding or impaired driving. Sheriffs in Alberta, who are classified as peace officers, often patrol highways and enforce provincial traffic laws, assisting the RCMP in managing road safety.

While peace officers cannot investigate major crimes, their role in maintaining community safety is vital, particularly in areas like bylaw enforcement, traffic control, and ensuring compliance with provincial laws. If a situation escalates beyond their jurisdiction, peace officers will typically call on police officers to assist with more serious matters.

Understanding Your Rights During a Traffic Stop

Knowing your rights when stopped by a peace officer or police officer is important. In Alberta, both have the authority to pull you over if they believe a law has been broken. It’s essential to follow their instructions and be aware of your rights, such as the right to ask why you were stopped and the right to remain silent.

Can Peace Officers Pull You Over? “Summarized”

  • Any Alberta Peace Officer can pull you over and request documentation.
  • They may also request information from your passengers.
  • Many types of law enforcement are covered under the definition of Peace Officer in Alberta.

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