Mental Health
Warrants, apprehensions, return orders, and restraint/seclusion provisions.
Appointment Authority
Authorities
This page summarizes the legislation Protective Services may enforce while employed or engaged by Alberta Health Services and acting within the scope of duties.
Trespass
Petty Trespass and Trespass to Premises authorities are not restricted here.
Liquor/Cannabis
Public consumption, intoxication, seizure, and transport-related sections.
Restrictions
Traffic Safety Act authority is limited to non-moving offences only.
Authority Guide
Provincial Offences Procedure Act
Restriction
No authority restriction listed for this Act.
Use
Used for provincial offence processes, tickets, summonses, and court-related procedures.
Mental Health Act
Authority to enforce the Mental Health Act is restricted to the following sections.
Section 10 — Warrant for Apprehension
A provincial court judge may issue a warrant authorizing peace officers to apprehend and transport an individual for examination at a designated facility.
Section 12 — Apprehension Without Warrant
Peace officers may apprehend and convey a person for assessment when there are reasonable and probable grounds related to serious mental health crisis, harm, or deterioration.
While transporting, officers may detain, observe, care for, and control the person in custody.
Section 20(4) — Time-Limited Certificates
Sets time limits and renewal/reassessment requirements for medical certificates used to detain someone involuntarily.
Section 21(1) — Order to Return Patient
If a formal patient leaves without permission, an order may direct a peace officer to return them to the facility.
Section 30 — Seclusion or Restraint
Provides authority for hospital staff to use restraint or seclusion for patient safety in accordance with legislation and policy.
Public Health Act
Authority to enforce the Public Health Act is restricted to the following sections.
Section 40(1)(a) — Authority of Certificate
A certificate authorizes a peace officer to apprehend the named person and convey them to the specified facility within the required time.
Section 43(3) — Treatment After Release
On receipt of an order, a peace officer may arrest without warrant and return the named person to the facility.
Section 50(2) — Unauthorized Absence
An order may authorize apprehension and return of a person to the facility.
Section 70(2) — Destruction of Notice
No person shall conceal, deface, destroy, or remove a public notice posted under the Act or regulation.
Traffic Safety Act
Restriction
Authority is restricted to non-moving offences only.
Reminder
Confirm the offence falls within appointment authority before issuing enforcement action.
Trespass Authorities
Petty Trespass Act
No authority restriction listed for this Act.
Trespass to Premises Act
No authority restriction listed for this Act.
Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Act
Authority to enforce the Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Act is restricted to the following areas.
Section 84 — Liquor in Vehicle
Addresses consuming liquor in a vehicle unless the vehicle is being used as a temporary residence.
Section 89 — Public Place
Addresses use or consumption of liquor in public places, residences, licensed premises, designated picnic areas, and entertainment districts.
Section 107 — Search and Seizure
Allows warrantless search and seizure in specific circumstances involving liquor or cannabis in or near a vehicle or person.
Section 108 — Abandoned Liquor or Cannabis
Allows seizure and removal of abandoned liquor or cannabis where there is no apparent owner.
Section 115 — Intoxicated Person in Public
Allows taking an intoxicated person in a public place into custody instead of charging, subject to the section requirements.
Regulation AR 143/96 — Section 87.1
Addresses transportation of liquor in an open container or within easy access of the driver or occupants.
Tobacco, Smoking, and Vaping Reduction Act
Restriction
No authority restriction listed for this Act.
Use
Applies to tobacco, smoking, and vaping-related offences as permitted by appointment authority.
Provincial Administrative Penalties Act
Restriction
No authority restriction listed for this Act.
Reminder
Confirm process requirements before taking enforcement action under this Act.