Cops accuse Calgary chief of ignoring racism
Jason Van Rassel
June 3, 2004
A former Calgary police officer and another member on leave have filed formal complaints accusing Chief Jack Beaton of covering up misconduct committed by fellow officers.
The unrelated complaints by former constable Shon Marsh and Const. Taufiq Shah, who has been on long-term disability since March 2003, were filed with the Calgary Police Commission in April.
In documents obtained by the Herald from a third party, both men allege Beaton failed to act on formal complaints they made alleging they were targets for racist taunts, intimidation and harassment.
The complaints say Beaton is guilty of neglect of duty and discreditable conduct under Alberta's police regulations.
Marsh, who is Metis, and Shah, a Muslim of Pakistani origin, were reluctant to comment Wednesday.
Each said he was hopeful the police commission, a civilian body that oversees the police service, will act on their allegations.
"The matter now sits in the trusting, capable hands of the Calgary police commission," Shah said. "I now understand why police services should never investigate their own."
The police commission is reviewing the complaints made by Marsh and Shah, as it does every allegation brought to its attention.
"The commission is bound by legislation and we'll follow that legislation to the letter," chairwoman Sandy Durrant said.
"The commission's next step is to make a determination of whether the chief may be in a breach of regulations or legislation, and determine if any further investigation is necessary."
If the commission decides there's need for further investigation, it will contact the Solicitor General's Department and request an outside police service conduct a probe.
Complaints against the chief of police are rare, Durrant said, adding she could recall only three in as many years with the commission. None of those were referred for further investigation.
Marsh, who resigned from the service in March 2001, said he also wants a judicial review of the service's leadership.
"The allegations I have brought forward are indicative of the organizational health of the service," said Marsh, adding his case is not an indictment of the rank and file officers.
Marsh, who worked in District 2, said his original complaint was dismissed by Beaton in May 2002. He has also launched a civil lawsuit, which is pending.
Shah's original complaint says a superior officer pointed a loaded service pistol at him on several occasions.
Shah has a pending lawsuit naming Beaton and four immediate supervisors at District 3, claiming racial harassment caused him to take medical leave and ultimately forced him off the job.
The Calgary Police Service refused comment.
© Calgary Herald 2004