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Edmonton Police Chief Rod Knecht is pushing back against claims that street checks are a form of arbitrary detention that violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

After an Edmonton Police Commission meeting Thursday attended by members and supporters of Black Lives Matter, Knecht told reporters he does not think street checks — frequently referred to as carding — go against the Charter.

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“I don’t think that’s what (is) happening,” he said. “Obviously, if we are violating the Charter, we don’t want to be violating the Charter. I don’t think that’s what our street check does.

“If you arbitrarily stop people and demand they provide you with information and don’t allow them to leave, that is a violation of the Charter, absolutely. I don’t think that’s happening with our (officers).

“Now, we’re not perfect,” he said. “You could probably come up with an example. But that’s not what our policy is, that’s not what our practice is, that’s not what we want or allow our people to do, and if that is happening, I’d encourage those people to come forward.”

Knecht said any allegations about improper street checks would be investigated by police oversight bodies.

“Interestingly enough, we have not gotten complaints to that effect,” he said.