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Stephen G. Jenuth, B.A. (Hon). LL.B Barrister & Solicitor - 2819 Centre Street N. Calgary, Alberta |
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Media Release |
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DATE OF RELEASE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2004 |
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Independent review of Calgary police sought |
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During the last two weeks of April, 2004, my client, constable, Shon Marsh, had numerous conversations with a member of the Calgary Police Service Professional Standards Section regarding the allegations of a senior officer of the Traffic Unit attending to a fatal accident while he was impaired by alcohol. Dissatisfied by the response from the Professional Standards Section with respect to this very serious allegation, my client forwarded his concern to the Calgary Police Commission. |
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In May of 2004 my client had several conversations with Calgary Police Commission complaints monitor, Preeti Adhopia, regarding the same allegation. During these meetings my client disclosed the circumstances and details of the on-duty impairment allegation as described in two separate articles published in the September 29, 2004 Calgary Herald and Calgary Sun newspapers. My client provided a copy of notes of a conversation he had with a member of the Service who had knowledge of the incident. My client further offered to provide the names of three police officers who had relevant information regarding this matter. |
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Understandably, my client is disappointed and perplexed by Chief Beaton’s response to this allegation. In a Calgary Herald article on September 29, 2004, Chief Beaton indicated that he was “stunned” to learn Friday of the alleged incident.” My client believes that the information passed on to the Service and Police Commission was deliberately ignored and withheld from the public. He has good reason to believe that had a retired police officer not disclosed this allegation to the media, the Service and the Commission would never have acted on it. |
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Over the past year there have been other Calgary Police Service members who have complained about other acts of police misconduct, however no action has been taken. |
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The Police Act states that the Chief of Police is responsible for he maintenance of discipline and the performance of duty within the Police Service, and that he is accountable to the Police Commission in the reporting of any complaint made against the police service or its members. |
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My client is asking for an independent judicial review of these matters, including several complaints that have previously been brought to the attention of the Chief of Police and the Police Commission. |
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My client further requests that a disciplinary hearing involving an allegation of the careless use of and pointing of police firearms be held in public so that the Calgary Police Service can regain public confidence in its delivery of community policing. |
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For more information, please contact: Mr. Stephen Jenuth - telephone (403) 233-2812 |
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