**The account below is a community submission to the Archive. It has been anonymized to protect the identity of the person(s) and agency involved. This account is a personal reflection based on lived experience and opinions. All incidents are allegations not proven in a court of law, and the Archive does not investigate the veracity of reported incidents.** On May 23 around 1:30 pm, I had walked from my home to a park bench while experiencing an autistic meltdown. My partner was worried about me and called the police, with the understanding that they would send a crisis intervention team paired with an AHS mental health specialist to assess the situation and ensure my safety. A screenshot of the PACT (Police and Crisis Response Team) policy from their website is attached. I texted [my partner] with my exact GPS coordinates. There were other witnesses there that can attest to me sitting/lying peacefully (though crying) on the park bench. [My partner] came and found me. We embraced. She consoled me. And she told me I’d have to talk to the police before we went home. I said “I don’t want to talk to the police” (bad experiences, go figure). When the male officer who had just came into my field of vision said my “boyfriend” was pretty worried about me, I responded “not my boyfriend” (as she is trans). IMMEDIATELY both officers had their hands on me (the female officer from behind on my left (I hadn’t even seen her), and the male officer right in my face. I didn’t recall until later that in this moment I screamed. The same blood curdling scream I’ve let out when assaulted previously. I left my body. I wasn’t there. I was again a powerless child in the vice grip of my abusive father. The male officer then slapped me in the face. From there they were dragging me, tackling me, trying to restrain me, threatening to taze me, and never telling me why. [My partner], who had made the call in the first place, was BEGGING them to stop, asking them why they were escalating, pleaded with them to stop. The male officer then threatened to taze her and put her in a choke hold and dragged her away from me. We tried telling them I’m autistic (I am). They laughed and called me a “fucking retard”. I submitted and let them tackle me to the ground and cuff me. 4 officers had me pinned and I couldn’t breathe. I am a 5’5” average frame woman. They dragged me across the grass to the cop car. One of my shoes fell off and they slammed me against the side of the car and kicked my legs open to pat me down for weapons before tossing me in the back of the car where I could see my partner lying on the ground having a panic attack. The officers then proceeded to tell me repeatedly that I didn’t know how lucky I was that they didn’t “punch me out” in the face. And they mocked [my partner] for calling the police for “help” and then refusing said “help”. They kept me in cuffs for 4 hours. I spent 2.5 in the waiting room at the hospital. I was not permitted any water until [my partner] happened to find me there and asked the staff and police attending to me if she could get me some. I had asked for water repeatedly and the cops refused. I had literally had a psychiatrist appointment earlier that day and she swapped my meds for the following day because my Vyvanse was preventing me from eating and drinking. I was on the tail end of an autistic meltdown after regulating myself with a walk when the police tackled me, beat me, berated me, and then denied me basic human rights like water and even a phone call. (Since I wasn’t under arrest, they didn’t need to give me a call). They told [my partner] once she got to the hospital that the reason I was in cuffs is because under the Mental Health Act, they “can”. Again… forgetting that the EPS has the PACT policy in place. How could the cops justify holding me under the Mental Health Act when they didn’t follow the procedure to ensure they weren’t violating that very act? The cops were not wearing body cams in spite of there province mandating their use in 2023: I was told this was a “pilot”—in other words, they’ve had a mandate for 2 years to get body cams on cops and still haven’t. Why is there no publicly register for police officers? I cannot look up these MFers last names nor badge numbers to confirm their status. As far as I know there’s zero transparency for cops with black marks on their records. Who watches the watchman. Pictures enclosed of my bruising."
One male-presenting officer, one female-presenting officer
Organizer Testimonial: The Unhoused Woman
**The following is an excerpt from a larger testimonial provided by an Edmonton harm reduction community organizer. It has been automatically transcribed using Otter.ai and anonymized. It has not been independently investigated and all incidents described therein are alleged. ** I was trying to think of like some other like cases of police violence that we've kind of been like, a bit more proximal to. And one of the ones was just like, there was a old woman who, I think now she is like in hospice care, but she was staying in a tent, kind of like by the train tracks south of white Ave. And it was really quite obvious that, like everybody in this situation, really wanted to get her into housing, even the cops and like the cops who were involved were always like, trying to be you. Like, as as good as they could be, but like, at a certain point they just, they're like, we, we have to do our job. And like, we have to, like, kick this woman out of her tent and move her somewhere else. And they even acknowledged how, just, like, pointlessly Sisyphean, this was because they were like, we will. We need to move you from this spot. I We will take your belongings in the back of the police car and move you to somewhere else that we think people are less likely to complain about because, like, we can't get you into housing right now. Everyone can recognize this like old lady who is like sick and clearly needs help, should not be on the street, but also, they got the complaint, they have to move her. And so it's just like, even when they were being nice, even when it's like, yes, we're gonna pick up all your belongings, we're gonna help you move them to a new spot, it's still just like, you just didn't have to move her, though, like, there's even when they're, like, trying to engage their humanity. It's just like their job is to be bastards and to do violence. And that one really, like, stuck out at me again, similar to that other case, where it's like they took someone's tent, put it back together and put it underneath a tree. It's like all of this is totally pointless. There's no reason other than like our desire to be cruel, right? This has to happen.
Harm Reduction Organizer Testimonial Recorded Summer 2025
Transcript of conversation with community organizer
Organizer Testimonial: Public Bathrooms and Lack of Access
**The following is an excerpt from a larger testimonial provided by an Edmonton harm reduction community organizer. It has been automatically transcribed using Otter.ai and anonymized. It has not been independently investigated and all incidents described therein are alleged. ** We're here on like, Whyte Ave, and there's businesses that are always just like, all these homeless people, like peeing on the back of our stores, breaking our windows, causing a scene, and it's like, and how much of that, though, is because it's like, you know, how many times can you be told, No, you can't go to the bathroom here before you break like, I think about that all the time that you know we have the privilege of being able to go in to private to do our business. This is like, sometimes we just can't. And, yeah, and it's just like, how many, how many little, tiny indignities could you suffer before you were like, fuck you. And I think a lot of people actually have a pretty short fuse for that. And like in my day job, I interact with public quite frequently. And it's staggering how many people have like, freak outs every, every single day. But they have their freak outs at home, or they're, you know, they're freaking out, but they have enough money that they can get in their car and drive away once things get heated, like they don't have to have these crises in public. And so no one really notices or cares, but someone has a crisis in public, and suddenly they're getting thrown into the concrete face first by a police officer and. It's just like this ridiculous double standard, and from a harm reduction perspective, it really doesn't need to exist. Like one of the campaigns that we had a few years ago was like potties, not police that think about how much better our communities would be, especially like white Avenue downtown, if we had public bathrooms everywhere. Like, how much less conflict would there be if people weren't being turned away from businesses all the time? If they weren't, like, forced to take a poop behind a dumpster because they wanted, just like, any kind of privacy whatsoever, our streets would be way safer. Like, people would be like, much nicer to one another, and it would also be nice even for just like everybody else, but it's not provided. One of my favorite little things that I found in the archives is that in 1921 the city council passed like a little like construction passed a budget item to build a public rest house on Jasper avenue of 100 bathroom stalls. This was in like 19 the 1920s the population of Edmonton was like 10,000 people. But the what they identified was that there were lots of people who are just now getting cars, and like driving into Jasper, Ave from outlying communities, and they didn't have anywhere to go to the bathroom, and so they said, We will build a rest house so that all of these people coming into Edmonton, and like anyone who is just like coming to Jasper, ave to do their shopping, has some of that they can go to the bathroom, and they don't have to bother a shopkeeper to use the bathroom in the Back or something like that, if the shops even happened at the time. And like, we don't have that many public bathrooms in the entire city of Edmonton in 2025 like, there is not 100 stalls of public bathrooms in the entire city. And 100 years ago, we had that many on Jasper Avenue alone. Yeah. And it's just like, It's little things like that where you're like, This is what would make our community safer. This is what would reduce tension, what would reduce anger, what would make people, just like, have a nicer time being in public with one another. I think about that sometimes too, because like, conflict does happen when we're doing street outreach, and a lot of that conflict happens because there is, like, it happens over the use of public space that it's like, there are people who just, like, want to be here for some other purpose, and then there are people who are forced to live here in public and like, of course, that's going to cause friction. Like, if you had someone who had to walk through your house every day in order to, like, get to work, you would also probably be pretty pissed, like it would feel like a violation and and so it's like we are forcing people to navigate those just like constant small level conflicts and constant small level frustrations, and those build up over time, and then they explode. And you don't need a police officer to prevent that from happening. A police officer is going to attend way too late when all of those little frustrations have already built up and now someone is freaking out in public. And from a harm reduction perspective, what if instead, we just didn't have all those frustrations like, what if, instead of people having to deal with someone smoking meth on the train. We had adequate amount of supervised consumption sites for inhalation, which we have literally zero of in the city. There's nowhere that you can do supervised consumption of inhalation drugs. Does not exist. And so people are like, why are people using on the train? Where else is there? Where else is there to go? And it's like, and then again, so the police officer has to attend and get this person who is just trying to survive in public to go somewhere else. And like, that's yet another frustration is that it's like, once again, like, Oh, great. Someone has called the cops on me for just fucking trying to have a normal day and building up more and more of those little like points of anger and frustration between people who are housed people are unhoused.
Organizer Testimonial: The Tactical Unit at Camp Pekiwewin
**The following is an excerpt from a larger testimonial provided by an Edmonton harm reduction community organizer. It has been automatically transcribed using Otter.ai and anonymized. It has not been independently investigated and all incidents described therein are alleged. ** One of the really, like, interesting moments of just like, the way that police interact with our communities was also at Camp Pekiwewin, which was a large homeless encampment down in the river valley, and prayer and relief camp. And one night, someone got sucker punched, someone called the cops, but every police officer in the city apparently was maintaining the exclusion zone around the Rogers place arena because the Oilers were playing, and this was like height of the pandemic. And so the only unit that could respond to the sucker punch was apparently the tactical unit. So that's who they send down to camp. They roll up in like an APC, they all get out of the van in their like military uniforms, and they stand around doing fuck all, except intimidating people and making it difficult for our, like, Med Team to go and, like, you know, care for this person who had been sucker punched. Because, like, the cops are trying to, like, maintain a cordon before the ambulance shows up, but there's, like, no ambulance in sight. They're nowhere. And like, the person doesn't really need an ambulance. They they were punched. They're a little bit out of it. But like, this is something that can be responded to by like, a nurse. But it just like it was such a bizarre, just like, exercise of force, and just like, it's utterly pointless, and yeah, that was the excuse that we got when we asked the police. It's like, Why the fuck did tactical show up? And they were like, yeah, it was the only unit that was available. Like, who knows if that's true, right? Who knows? But, like, either way, like, it was, it was terrifying. Like, people were really freaked out to have, you know, guys in military combat fatigues, you know, tromping through camp, and you just, like, why are you here? Totally unnecessary, yeah, but it's like, but this is, this is this is how, like, the standard operating procedure works, that it's like, you know, if there is a call that is involving violence, like police need to respond before ambulance can arrive, and like, that doesn't always end up being, like a proportional response. This is what happens with, like, that bureaucratic style of violence, where it's just like, oh yeah, we have to follow the rules. And so some cop has got to go out to attend this thing, even though there's like, it's not like there's an ongoing fight, it's not as though there is like a chronic case of violence in the area. It's just like there was one very brief altercation, and then the result of that is a dozen tactical right? The challenge is that the functional role of police is to make societal problems invisible. And that really stands out when it comes to harm reduction, because it's like, there's this mentality that we need to stop drugs and, like, punish people who use drugs, but it the drug war has been lost, like, very decisively, it is obvious, I think, at this point that, like, you can't police your way out of drug use, at least not without, like, concentration camps filled with people whose only crime is, like being moderate, like unmedicated and trying to, like self soothe with narcotics. Like the the extent of destruction that you would need to do in in our communities to like police out of drug use is just like, comically absurd, and they're trying to do it down in the states, like fuck. And so the so the impact of policing, then, is just to make it invisible, is to push it out of areas where, like, nice people from the suburbs show up and, like, they don't really care if something is happening in, you know, corner of downtown where you don't get a lot of tourists, and you don't get a lot of, like, white collar professionals, and yeah, people from st Albert and yeah. And the impact is and but like that, process is not easy. It's not, you know, pleasant or kind. It ends up just being pointlessly cruel, where you have people who are just trying to survive, just getting constantly pushed around, and it makes things harder. Like it's one of the things that we really notice. And like, you can tell when someone's camp is hungry, because they'll come to outreach, and they will be miserable, and they will have so much less with and because they're having to completely rebuild their life, because, you know, a police officer came through and threw all of their stuff in a dumpster. And it's like, when we think about, when I think about that as someone who, like, owns a home, it's like, yeah, like, imagine if just like, every week someone came through my apartment and threw out everything and changed the lock and I had to, like, figure out how to get back in, right? It'd just be this absolutely catastrophic destruction of someone's life. But because they're forced to live on public land. Somehow this is okay. And I think that's been one of the, like, really noticeable things about encampments and sweeps and stuff like that, is that it's like we see police roaming through Chinatown, like trying to push out all the encampments, but they're pushing them out. They're not getting them off the street, they're not getting them into housing. They end up in Kingsway, and they end up downtown, and they end up in the river valley. And so then the, you know, the police crackdown ends. They say, mission accomplished. Put up the big banner, and then within a few weeks, all the encampments are back in Chinatown. There's been a really interesting there was a really interesting demonstration by the Vancouver drug users union. And I think that's what the acronym stands for. They started to actually, like, build the city saying, like, this is the value of all of people's belongings that were destroyed in a suite. And it's staggering. It's like hundreds of dollars of people's lives that are just being like routinely destroyed. And we think about the same thing too... like, we think about that as well. Like, one of the things that we really like to give out when we have the money is we buy bulk tents and we give them out to people. And it's like, that is, you know, a pretty big outlay of money. Like, if we give out, I think at one point we had about, like, 10 or 15 tents we were able to bring out about a month. It's like $600 of like, little two person tents, and realizing that it's like, yeah, we give them out one week, and then two weeks later we're giving them out to the same person, because the police trashed the tent. When we think about that from like, How much money do we end up? Because people talk about, you know, the nonprofit industrial complex, just like, spends money on stuff, it doesn't matter, and how much of that is that we are spending money on stuff just to have it destroyed by the police, that it's like we are spending money to restabilize people's lives that are being destabilized by some other public service. It's, it's just like, this game of, like, whack a mole, and we're kind of happy to, kind of like, do that, sort of like, yeah, like, we spend money for EPs to destroy it, and that's fine. And but like, they could not, yeah, they could, like, help us make sure that, like, people's lives are actually getting back together, that we can give them, you know, a good tent, some like fire, safe ways of heating up their like, where they're staying. We can give them, like, food and clothes that they are actually able to, like, store and maintain and eat. And it's like, how much less conflict would there be in our communities if, like, we just provided those things for people.
Organizer Testimonial: Person in Crisis on Whyte Avenue
**The following is an excerpt from a larger testimonial provided by an Edmonton harm reduction community organizer. It has been automatically transcribed using Otter.ai and anonymized. It has not been independently investigated and all incidents described therein are alleged. ** But we have also encountered police violence like here directly as we were doing our work, one of the examples, and this one is actually on videotape as well, like it was featured in the very beginning of the safer for all documentary that was released recently put out by the John Humphrey center. And so we were here doing street outreach, and there was someone who was in crisis in the alleyways along white Ave, and they're very well known to the community. Everyone kind of knows this person and knows that, like, if they're not on their meds, or if they're having a bad day, they can be loud and, you know, difficult, but they're not a threat to anyone, like they have never hurt anyone, and they're just loud and sometimes wander out into the road, which is not the end of the world, right? And so, you know, three, one or two on one had been called, and like they tried to help, didn't want any help. Ambulance and fire arrived. Try to help, but, you know, they're not having a medical emergency. They're just having a bad day. And so they also, you know, they don't want to be incarcerated, in the sense of, like, they don't be dragged into the back of an ambulance and sedated, like it's just not something they're looking to do. And so they tell the ambulance drivers to fuck off. You know, they're aggressive and loud, but not violent. And I'm there watching all of this going on, and I'm like, There's no threat that this person poses. They just want to be left alone, and people are just not leaving them alone. And so we try to, like, intervene, and just try to be like, hey. Like, I will, like, you know, stand between, like, talk to people as you do as, like, a nice, white collar professional to other professionals. But someone calls the cops, and the cops arrive and they're just like, This person is causing a disturbance. Immediately tackle them to the ground and pull out, but do not deploy a taser, put this person in cuffs, and then start to, like, march them into a police van, and the person tries to, like, wiggle out, and the response from the police officers is to cut out their legs and slam them face first into the concrete in cuffs, like completely unprovoked, completely unnecessary violence, right? And and I was very glad that it's like we were here in the park at the time to, like, get that on video and make sure that it was recorded. But yeah, still just, like, really sticks out to me is like, one of the rare cases where it's like, oh, yeah, this like, firsthand experience of police violence as we're just, like, trying to be out here giving out food, yeah? And that's like, on the street in broad daylight, yeah, yeah. That's with cameras. Out that's with it was funny at the time we had, I think, about eight med students from the inner city health elective who were there also
Organizer Testimonial: The Amber Alert on Whyte Avenue
**The following is an excerpt from a larger testimonial provided by an Edmonton harm reduction community organizer. It has been automatically transcribed using Otter.ai and anonymized. It has not been independently investigated and all incidents described therein are alleged. ** I'm very glad that no actual violence happened. But as someone who owns firearms and knows how to operate them. This really stood out to me as just like one of the most fucking scary things that I've seen a cop do in a while. There we were here doing street outreach, and there was an Amber Alert that had gone in, a kid had gone missing, and they thought that he had been abducted on a school bus. So police were basically going around the city, pulling over every single school bus trying to find this kid, and so they pull over a school bus over here by the funeral home near White Ave and the cops board the bus from the back through the emergency door with his car being drawn and pointed straight forward into the bus A where there are children at B pointed straight down gateway Boulevard towards the next act and meet patios, which were full at the time. And I was just sitting there watching this police officer draw a carbine to serve an Amber Alert full of a bus full of children in front of patios. And I was like, if they had fired that firearm, there is no chance in hell they would have hit their intended target. And there are hundreds of people who would have been in line of fire like this was such an absolutely stunningly reckless thing to do, and yet, these are the people that we are supposed to trust with with guns and firearms like these are who keep our community safe, but like, the very first rule of firearms is, do not point them at anything you are not willing to destroy. Right? The next act, patio should not be destroyed. Children should not be destroyed. It was the most deranged thing I have seen a police officer do, just like, casually, like this wasn't a high stress environment. There were no like, this wasn't like a known kidnapping. There was no notice that the kidnapper was armed. This was just straight, we are looking for a missing child on a school bus, and the response to this is, like, firearms drawn. Absolutely fucking insane. I was just like, I mean, they don't, they don't under they don't know how to do.
Organizer Testimonial: Encampment Destruction
**The following is an excerpt from a larger testimonial provided by an Edmonton harm reduction community organizer. It has been automatically transcribed using Otter.ai and anonymized. It has not been independently investigated and all incidents described therein are alleged. ** Story 1: Encampment Destruction So one of the things that's interesting about doing street outreach is that we do have, like, I do have some experience with police violence, and most of it ends up being secondhand. And so one of the things that we hear about, often from people who are unhoused, is just like the way that police destroy encampments, and like the damage that this does to people's lives. And one of the things that, I think is really one of the incidents that really stands out to me was there was a guy who was camping down in the river valley, and he was camped out in the same place for three weeks, and just about every week, the police would come through and they would destroy all of his belongings. And you know, EPS always maintains you know, they don't slash tents and yada yada yada. And it's like, yeah, maybe they're not going through with a knife and literally slashing tents, but they're throwing them in the back of dumpsters like they're they're just putting them immediately into dump trucks like there's no no care given for people's belongings and people who are doing this to survive. But there was one incident that really, like, emphasized how just, like, pointless and cruel that practices. Because there was one day that his camp was taken down, and the, you know, the crew that attended it, took down his tent, put it back in the bag, and left it under a tree for him. And so when he came back his his camp had been cleared out, but his tent was still there, and so he was able to take it and move on somewhere else. And like, that incident just like, like, was a really, like, poignant note for me, of being like, this is all totally unnecessary. Like, all of the violence that gets done when encampments get cleared out is pointless. Like, we could just respect people's belongings and respect that they were trying to survive outside and recognizing that it's like, yeah, encampments have problems and pose risks, but like, there's no need to do it in like, just, like, pointlessly cruel way that it's done. So it's like, kind of funny, like, talking about, like, police violence. And it's like, what about if, like, the police weren't violent, like, with this, like, weird little opportunity to just be like, what if we had a bit of decency when we're dealing with the homeless?
Transcript/recording of an interview with a community organizer in harm reduction on their experience of policing in Edmonton and its impact on unhoused and other populations. *Transcript has been lightly edited for anonymization - the opinions in the interview are those of the organizer and allegations of violence have not been independently verified.*
**The account below is a community submission to the Archive. It has been anonymized to protect the identity of the person(s) and agency involved. This account is a personal reflection based on lived experience and opinions. All incidents are allegations not proven in a court of law, and the Archive does not investigate the veracity of reported incidents.** On May 26, 2025, at approximately 3:37 PM, [staff member], the [position], was outside the [downtown community agency] building with youth and another staff member when two uniformed Edmonton Police Service (EPS) officers approached the entrance. [Staff member], following what had been communicated from the beginning of [their] employment as [agency]’s standing “no police inside the building” policy (designed to maintain a trauma-informed, low-barrier space), gently attempted to intercept the officers. [Staff member] greeted them calmly with a smile and offered to bring out a frontline worker to speak with them, per protocol. Before [staff member] could finish speaking, one of the officers grabbed [their] arms and pushed [them] aside, nearly knocking [them] down. [They] began bruising immediately and was left visibly distressed. The same officer proceeded to threaten [staff member] and three other frontline staff members with arrest, accusing them of “obstructing justice.” He claimed they were in “hot pursuit” of an armed suspect allegedly inside the building. However, neither officer had their weapons drawn, and the search was brief and careless, with no clear urgency or safety precautions in place. No one on staff had witnessed the alleged suspect acting aggressively or violently, and no weapons were seen.
Eyewitness (memory - reported over 48 hours after)
Police obstruction of Narcan administration
**The account below is a community submission to the Archive. This account is a personal reflection based on lived experience and opinions. All incidents are allegations not proven in a court of law, and the Archive does not investigate the veracity of reported incidents.** It wasn't your typical police violence, but in the face of the opioid epidemic, I feel this story is important. My name will remain anonymous, but I am an Indigenous two-spirit person in my early 20's. I work in an emergency response capacity (non- police, EMS or fire) and have a decent amount of medical training for my job. I can't say what I do, or I'll loose my job but let's just say my job has something to do with water safety. I have a decent amount of medical training. I was attending Edmonton's drag fest with my Auntie and we were walking back to the festival after getting dinner. I looked up past the statue of our colonizer, Winston churchill and saw the torsos of police crowded around *something* - I decided to go and investigate . My suspicions were correct, there was a mid- forties indigenous man actively experiencing a drug poisoning. He was blue. He was making the snoring sounds. I stated my name and certifications and let the officers know I would now be assisting this person. I asked if they had initiated EMS, which thankfully they had but they had only provided one dose of intranasal naloxone nearly 5 minutes prior and were not engaging in any other resuscitation efforts. I threw my gloves on and began preparing an IM naloxone injection while encouraging the man to take breaths and placing him in a position where it would be easier for him to breathe. The officers attempted to stop me from performing my efforts, stated I was "heated" and needed to "calm down" , told me they "dealt with this everyday" and that narcan takes 5 minutes to work. (First of all, so do I and no, no it doesn't, the intervals are 2 minutes between doses ) . The officers proceeded to continue to verbally harrass me until Edmonton Fire arrived on scene. They then, tried to get my name to write a report, I refused as per my rights. I don't think people realize. These officers aren't here to help. They really aren't. They are here to commit genocide. Police services across Canada are trained using IDF protocol. The goal of every police force is STILL to wipe out Indigenous people. These officers weren't unintentionally unhelpful. They WANTED this man to die.
Sir Winston Churchill Square, 9918, Downtown, Central Core, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 5H7, Canada
**The account below is a community submission to the Archive. It has been anonymized to protect the identity of the person(s) and agency involved. This account is a personal reflection based on lived experience and opinions. All incidents are allegations not proven in a court of law, and the Archive does not investigate the veracity of reported incidents.** so i was hanging out at the library, and i was on my way to an appointment. i am crossing the road and i see a cop car. to preface; i do hate police. i have talked to several homeless people about their experiences with police slashing their tents and stealing their possessions and harassing them. i have previously witnessed (circa 2019-2021, sometime around then) two police officers frogmarching a guy off the LRT for sleeping peacefully, bothering no one. they were using excessive force and they didnt tell him what he had done wrong. to make a long story short, i hate cops for intimidating our community, showing up late and escalating situations, being a drain on taxpayer money, coming in from rich suburbs to harass the most vulnerable members of our community in the urban core, voluntarily choosing to uphold a institution founded in slave-catching, and aiding and abetting and concealing the murder of mathios arkangelo and countless other people of colour. anyways i was walking from the library, and i see a cop car, and for all the above reasons, i decide to flip it off. i just stand there, middle finger extended, on the corner with the weston hotel, at the cop car. i have headphones on so i didnt hear when they flashed the sirens at me, but i sure as hell did notice when they illegally pulled across two lanes of traffic on 100st and parked blocking the intersection between the westin hotel and the library. a tiny little cop came out of the drivers seat- she mustve been around 5'3" to 5'6", mid 30s, blonde hair up in a ponytail with a claw clip, and the thing i remember most- Crazy green blue eyes. they reminded me of the eyes in the posts of israeli soldiers- violently indignant, sure of her power and how she was abusing it, and willing to escalate the situation to any extent. she approached already speaking, her hand on her taser on her belt. i took down my headphones and said "what?" she said "thats stunting, thats a 250$ ticket, you're distracting a driver and you could've caused us to crash and kill someone" i said "i assumed our esteemed officers were better drivers than that" before i remembered the cardinal rule of police interactions: shut the fuck up. she tried to get me to elaborate on that several times, saying things like "you think this is funny" and "you can't treat us this way" she came within 3 feet of me, and then i think she noticed that im 6foot and roughly double her size. when i later recounted this event to my friends we were all pretty sure that this would'nt've happened to able bodied man, and if i had been a person of colour or visibly unhoused things would've gone way way worse. to be clear, i am afab and white and i use a walker. anyways. by this point her partner had come out- 5'6-5'8", male, salt and pepper hair in a goodclips crew cut, late 40s to early 50s, and the kind of red that i speculate is a result of alcohol abuse, although i couldnt say for sure as i was wearing a mask so i couldnt smell his breath, and he stayed 2 feet to 5 feet away from me at all times. anyway. tiny blondie gets in the passenger seat of the car and says im being detained, asks if im happy and this was worth it. i just stay silent. she asks me for information such as my name and home address, and before i give her the answer i ask "am i legally required to give you this information?" to which she responds yes, with increasing frustration. her partner is standing in front of me so i just keep eye contact with him, trying to pour every ounce of loathing and pity and contempt i have into the eye contact. he tries to get me to speak several times "do you have a problem with police? what did we do to you? why are you fingering us?" he keeps referring to flipping him off as "fingering" which is honestly so surreal and out of touch, like, he called it fingering them like 15 times. it was insane. i said nothing except when i was answering the questions of the lady cop about my full name and address. she accused me of lying about my last name before finding it in their database. i was scared as hell- no hostile group should know my full name and address. i was worried they were gonna come harass my roommates or stalk me or break in or something. i have experience being scared though, so i kept my face completely neutral and glared daggers into the male cop ahead of me. he kept talking, of course, making moralistic arguements as to why showing my displeasure with police is fundamentally wrong and bad. i didnt respond. he called me "creepy" three times because i didnt respond and kept holding eye contact. i resisted the urge to tell him that its very telling he thinks my right to silence is creepy. i won the staring contest by the way, he looked away first. he chastised me for several more minutes while the lady cop put in a call to her supervisor on her phone. after a long time, they said i was free to go, but they didnt seem pleased. i unfortunately was too overwhelmed by the insanity of the situation to ask for either of their names and badge numbers, or their licence plate. i later learned that i wasnt getting a ticket, and that that was a unlawful detention, as flipping off police isnt a crime or a ticketable offense, and was ruled a god given right by a quebecois judge. i was paranoid as hell for the next week, terrified they would show up to my house. the worst part is that i wanted to insult them, to make them feel the way i know they make everyone around them feel- on edge, disheartened, violated, insulted, but you cant because they will straight up just arrest and kill you. theyre bullies who you cant fight back against. and im angry as hell about it. i know my experience was comparatively mild especially as compared to the experiences i've heard of homeless native people in edmonton, but it was still unlawful intimidation and detention, and it still shook me and made me viscerally mad. police do not protect us. police show up 3hrs late and shoot your neighbour's dog. police deserve to feel as unsafe and uncomfortable as they make everyone around them feel. they renounce being a community member worthy of compassion by wearing a uniform that allows them to do whatever cruelty benefits capitalism and the state, and they do not deserve to go two feet without being flipped off, glared at, yelled at, refused services, and treated as the worst kind of scum, because they are. they are.
Man dies during transport to the Edmonton Remand Centre
At 11:52 a.m. on Oct 26, 2015, an EPS transport van with 6 people on board left the EPS Detention Management Unit (DMU) en route to the Edmonton Remand Centre. The 46 year old, Kenneth Shymkiw, was "yelling and kicking while being placed into the Police Service transport van" (Alberta Serious Incident Response Team, 2015). During the car ride, the officers noted that Shymkiw had quieted down and stopped the vehicle to find him unresponsive and in medical distress. CPR was performed and Shymkiw was transported by EMS to the hospital where he was declared to be deceased. Post autopsy, it was determined that the cause of death was a "hyperadrenergic state (high adrenaline) due to an acute schizophrenic psychosis" (Report to the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Public Fatality Inquiry, 2020).
acute schizophrenic psychosis; sudden cardiac arrest Post autopsy determined that the cause of death was a "hyperadrenergic state (high adrenaline) due to an acute schizophrenic psychosis"
ASIRT Oct 26, 2015 report "ASIRT investivates EPS in-custody death": https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/b3765dd8-58b5-4db5-91b0-ac5da50e2e13/resource/8c85dba6-080d-4878-9164-1515a4675586/download/asirt-asirt-investigates-eps-in-custody-death.pdf ; Edmonton Public Fatality Inquiry Report, Oct 9, 2019: https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/bdc7a51d-b74e-4875-8f00-e500aae07fd1/resource/d07075f0-bc1a-4811-adca-722729f62633/download/jsg-191023-fatality-inquiry-schedules.pdf ; Report to the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Public Fatality Inquiry, Oct 27, 2020: https://open.alberta.ca/publications/fatality-inquiry-2020-10-27
Following this tragic event, certain recommendations were made that hope to avoid any such future events. A 24 hour counsel is now present at the DMU that would avoid the need for the unnecessary transport of some individuals. EMTs are now embedded at the DMU in order to properly assess any medical conditions that may become worse during holding/transport. The use of the Police and Crisis Response Team (PACT) was advised in this incident.
At 11:30 pm on Dec 7, 2015, EPS responded to a 911 call at an Edmonton residence, 120 Ave & 58 St. In the home, they observed a 49-year old man who was agitated and armed with a knife; the man's teenage son was there and had been heard calling for help during the confrontation (ASIRT 2015, 2017). The man's behavior was perceived as erratic and threatening (ASIRT reports), three officers discharged their conducted energy weapons, or Tasers, and the man was restrained and disarmed, additional units were called in by the police, recognizing the urgency of the situation. "Two minutes and 55 seconds later" he went into medical distress, officers performed first aid until EMS arrived (Edmonton Journal, 2017). The man was pronounced dead at the hospital. ASIRT opened an investigation in 2015. In 2017, they released their findings, which indicated that although the use of Tasers contributed to the cause of death, ASIRT concluded that the officers were acting appropriately given the circumstances. The chief medical examiner found the man died of “excited delirium syndrome” related to methamphetamine toxicity, ASIRT said. The struggle with police was considered “a significant contributory condition” in the death" (Edmonton Journal, 2017). **Archive note: the term 'excited delirium syndrome' has no clinical validation and is disproportionately used to describe men of colour who die in interactions with police. Several medical associations, including the American Psychological Association, have called for its discontinuation, see https://www.psychiatry.org/getattachment/7769e617-ee6a-4a89-829f-4fc71d831ce0/Position-Use-of-Term-Excited-Delirium.pdf . However, EPS continues to frequently use this term, usually to describe people who die after being tasered.**
6 officers on scene, 3 deployed their CEWs
ASIRT Dec 8, 2015 report "ASIRT investigates EPS incident": https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/7a8e30f8-cad1-446d-9860-744fbf814aeb/resource/9c280adf-77e0-46d4-a2b1-997fdd209950/download/asirt-asirt-investigates-eps-incident.pdf; ASIRT Aug 28, 2017 report "ASIRT concludes EPS use of force incident": https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/3f0eb8ba-bd0b-49a9-a5d1-9d52a6ff8b86/resource/37e4fc84-96b2-47d8-989b-cceb7239bf9c/download/asirt-asirt-concludes-eps-use-of-force-incident.pdf
The 3 EPS officers' actions were deemed appropriate for the situation and cleared by an ASIRT investigation.
ASIRT investigates in-custody death in northeast Edmonton
RCMP officer charged with sexual assault
On November 10, 2008, Constable Mario Jimenez of the Fort Saskatchewan RCMP sexually assaulted a fellow officer while off-duty at a party at the Boysdale camp in Sturgeon County. According to the agreed statement of facts, the victim/survivor was in the kitchen washing whiskey from her face and hands that Jimenez had spilled on her and about to leave the party when Jimenez assaulted her. Jimenez cornered her, pinned her against the wall, restrained her, degraded her with obscenities, and fondled her breasts. Following the incident, Jimenez was arrested and charged with one count of sexual assault following an investigation by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team on January 9, 2010. In January 2010, Jimenez first pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of assault at a court hearing in. In June 2010, Jimenez pleaded guilty to the full charge of sexual assault at an RCMP disciplinary hearing. According to multiple news reports, pleading guilty to the lesser charge of assault at the court hearing meant that Jimenez was likely going to be able to avoid a criminal record if he satisfied his probationary conditions. In June 2010, the RCMP disciplinary board ordered Jimenez to quit within 14 days or be fired. As of February 2011, Jimenez remained on the force under suspension awaiting an appeal to be scheduled. The archival team has been unable to locate the results of the appeal. In November 2010, the victim/survivor of the assault filed a successful civil lawsuit against Jimenez and was awarded $425,000 of assessed damages plus legal fees. In a victim impact statement read at Jimenez’s disciplinary hearing in June 2010, the officer who was assaulted said that the incident has fundamentally changed her relationship with her profession, stating that “being a police officer and raised in a family where my dad was a member, I developed a sense that this organization was the right place for me and it became my extended family. On the night you forced yourself on me, that all changed.” The victim/survivor also described how the assault was continuing to impact her day-to-day life, stating that “to this day, I find when I am dealing with some men my mind wanders back to that night and I constantly re-evaluate the situations I am in so I will never be a victim again.” Finally, the victim/survivor described how the assault has impacted her relationship with her husband (also a police officer) and children and stated that she’s slowly starting to enjoy life again “but it has taken an eternity.”
Jimenez was found guilty of assault by provincial court in January 2010 and released on conditional discharge (12 months probation, 100 hours community service, no contact with the victim, must abstain from alcohol). He was ound guilty of sexual assault by RCMP disciplinary board in June 2010 and ordered to resign within 14 days of the ruling or be fired. However, as of February 2011, Jimenez remained on the force under suspension, awaiting an appeal to be scheduled. The archival team has been unable to locate the results of the appeal.
Suspect tasered by Edmonton Police officer experienced collapsed lung
Edmonton Police officers were dispatched on October 22, 2016 at approximately 8:33 p.m. to the area of Fox Drive and Fort Edmonton Park Road in response to a 911 call. A shirtless man attempted to flee from multiple officers and a helicopter, falling down an embankment before being captured with the use of a taser and police dog. One deceased individual was found in the area during the search, with the fleeing man being designated as suspect. Emergency medical services on the scene determined the man had a collapsed lung, for which he was taken to hospital. The victim in the incident, Connor James Miller, was later charged and convicted with manslaughter for the murder of his friend Christopher Fawcett in the river valley that evening. On a toxicology screen, he was found positive for LSD.
ASIRT Investigation Opened October 31, 2016
ASIRT Investigation determined use of force was reasonable
ASIRT Investigation Closed February 21, 2018
Victim was arrested, charged and convicted of manslaughter for the killing of his friend immediately before the incident.
Indigenous man fatally shot by officer in Glenwood
Kinling Robin Fire, 39, was fatally wounded by EPS officers on March 30, 2011. The events took place in the Edmonton neighbourhood of Glenwood, shortly before midnight. EPS officers Const. Brent Fox and Const. Brendan Power were dispatched to locate a Fire, who was believed to be suicidal. The officers also received a report of suspected impaired driver, who turned out to be Fire. Relatives of Fire reported that he was distraught after an argument with his ex-girlfriend and that he had consumed a bottle of prescription sleeping medication. Fire was found by the officers driving his car near a west-end apartment building at 155th Street and 100th Avenue. When Fire did not exit the vehicle or respond to Power, Power broke the driver’s side window with his baton and unlocked, then opened the driver’s side door. Fire exited the car, angry, and began moving toward Power while holding a metal bar. Fire continued to approach Power and Power fired two shots, hitting Fire in the chest. After handcuffing Fire, EPS administered medical services on the scene and Fire was transported to the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, where he was pronounced dead around 4:00 am on Thursday, March 31, 2011. The results of an ASIRT investigation were released on July 24, 2012, stating that the actions of the officer were justified, and no charges would be filed. A report into the fatality inquiry by was released in 2015, coming to the same conclusion as ASIRT. In 2017, the family of Fire applied a judicial review, calling for a new inquiry into the events of March 30, 2011. Fire’s sister, Wanda Bearboy, reports that despite numerous calls to Alberta Justice requesting information about the inquiry, Bearboy was not included in the process or informed of her rights, like the ability to call witnesses or ask for an adjournment.
An ASIRT investigation was started. The file was then forwarded to the Calgary Chief Crown Prosecutor for review and opinion. The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Special Investigations Unit provided oversight on the ASIRT investigation. ASIRT concluded its investigation on July 24, 2012, which found the actions of Const. Brendan Power were justified and no charges were laid.
Report to the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Public Fatality Inquiry, June 8, 2015
153 Street NW, Canora, Jasper Place, Edmonton, Alberta, T5P 0W3, Canada
Man dies after being tasered, shot by 4 police officers
A 55-year old man was seen across from the Edmonton Police Service headquarters at 6:30 am holding what appeared to be a firearm. Officers approached the man and a taser was deployed. At approximately 6:47 am, a confrontation occured and four police officers deployed their guns, striking the man. He was transported to the hospital where he was declared dead at 7:45 am. Two potential improvised firearms and one potential modified firearm were found at the scene.
Photograph of the modified firearms collected by police on the scene
95 Street & 105 Avenue, 95 Street NW, Boyle Street, Central Core, Avenue District, Edmonton, Alberta, T5H 0H8, Canada
LRT tracks along 95 Street & 105 Avenue, 95 Street NW, Boyle Street, Central Core, Avenue District, Edmonton, Alberta, T5H 0H8, Canada
Woman sexually assaulted by constable while he was on duty
A 24-year-old woman was sexually assaulted by EPS officer Hunter Robinz while in uniform and on duty. He was charged for breach of trust in allegedly attempting to communicate with women crime victims and seeking sexual relationships with them. There was a second breach of trust related to his using Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) and Edmonton Police Reporting and Occurrence System (EPROS) databases between 2018 and 2019 for reasons unrelated to police investigations. ASIRT charged Const. Robinz with sexual assault, unauthorized use of computer database and two separate counts of breach of trust.
Arlene Sams (right) with her parents Louise and Charlie Sams at their home in Edmonton. An Edmonton Police Service constable pleaded guilty to neglect of duty for wrongfully arresting and charging Arlene Sams with refusal to blow into a breathalyzer and accusing her wrongfully of drunk driving in 2014. PHOTO BY LARRY WONG /Postmedia
APMD original incident ID: i-kTuiJKPJ4jVBkw
sexual assault; CPIC; unauthorized use of computer; breach of trust; ASIRT; on-duty; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
Victim accuses officer of negligent operation of motor vehicle that caused loss of child and left disabled another child
On June 2, 2001 Constable Brander crashed broadside into the victim’s car as it turned left across police car’s path. As a result of the crash, Carlos Ramirez’s grandson Giovanni was killed, his grandson Jonathon was seriously injured, and his daughter Gloria were injured. Constable Brander and his partner Jean Guy were assigned general police duties including enforcement of traffic laws. They were on the way to confirm a service address for arrest warrant on an individual section of Edmonton. At 127th street they have decided to try and catch and stop two racing vehicles. Brander was driving. Officer accelerated as he wanted to catch up to speeding vehicles to get into a position to get their license numbers and stop them. He estimated his speed at 110 km/hr and no more that 120 km/hr. constable Brander was found not guilty on all accounts.
Fatality; Amputated left arm and fingers; Psychological injury
APMD original incident ID: i-bfmPRhy8Lo7cwQ
allegation; criminal negligence; bodily harm; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
Victim files complaint that police assaulted and removed him from home
The victim, 50-years old man born with cerebral palsy has been tasered and incarcerated for not complying with terms of lease agreement and outstanding warrants (confirmed my Canadian Police Information Center (CPIC)). Based on authority of “Order of Possession” nine officers entered residence of the victim. While in search area victim was not co-operative and physically resisted officers who wanted to conduct a strip search. One of officers held victim while another officer tasered (at least three times) him. Then victim was detained. The victim appeals written decision of A/Chief of Police EPS dated September 20, 2005. This decision dismissed all allegations made by the victim in his written complaint of August 19, 2003, where he alleges misconduct by nine EPS officers: unlawfully evicting victim from his residence and string searching; tasering visitor at the residence of victim; unlawfully assaulting victim including assault with a weapon and not providing access to medical services when requested and required. Decision: Board affirmed decision of the Chief of Police to dismiss the allegations against nine officers.
Physical violence; Withholding aid; Disregard of dignity; Arrest
APMD original incident ID: i-m4iGmeoRZTMb5H
misconduct; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
Person in custody experiences physical violence from police.
On December 28, 2013 victim attended Edmonton Oilers hockey game at Recall Place and later was arrested and detained by the Edmonton Police Service (EPS). The victim submitted Statement of claim that he was not informed of reasons for his arrest and detention at Rexall Place by any of respondents along with unlawful and unnecessary exercise of authority, force, insubordination, and neglect of duty. Further, it is alleged that victim was not immediately advised of his Charter rights upon arrival at Downtown Division, and that he wasn’t provided opportunity to speak to counsel until approximately three hours after his arrest. The timing of completion of the investigation was such that it was completed and forwarded to counsel for review before the letter from the appellant’s counsel dated August 6, 2015 was received by PSB. The suggested importance of the transcript was not flagged by appellant’s counsel and a copy was not provided to PSB or the Chief. There is no evidence on the record of lack of transparency or that the or the Chief deliberately ignored information in the trial transcript that was decisive of an important issue. The Board concluded that the investigation conducted by the Chief was reasonable and not tainted or compromised.
Head injury; Cuts; Bruises; Injuries to wrists (which affects victim's ability to work as welder); Mental anguish; Humiliation and injury to dignity
Mutch v Edmonton (Police Service), 2018 ABLERB 004
APMD original incident ID: i-liacf4hmPcs3Br
excessive force; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
Law Enforcement Review Board; civil suit
Victim suffers injuries during police arrest.
The victim alleges that on June 29, 2011, Constable Bradley Pearce and Constable Derek McIntyre caused bodily harm while arresting him for violating his parole. Tam Nguyen, a case worker at Independence Apartments halfway house testified he saw officers dragging victim up the stairs and Const. Pearce strike the parolee in the head with an open hand. The victim received three stitches to his head and suffered two black eyes and a swollen cheek. Because initial prosecutor proceeded summarily rather than by indictment in provincial docket court, the judge declared a mistrial.
Strike to the head (received 3 stitches on head); Two black eyes; Swollen cheek
Substance use disorder (heroin) - referenced in news article
Her Majesty the Queen v. Bradley Pearce and Derek McIntyre
APMD original incident ID: i-lUCeiqDPdQAiVN
assault; bodily harm; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
Woman receives inappropriate, sexually explicit text messages from an officer who had previously arrested her
In 2011, Officer Butchike arrested a woman in relation to a fraud investigation. Between late July and September 18th of that year, he was accused of sending sexually explicit and inappropriate text messages to the woman that were unrelated to his investigation. A complaint was launched by the woman in late 2011, and Butchike was charged with insubordination as well as discreditable conduct, with a deceit charge later added for his handling of the resulting EPS Professional Standards Investigation. Butchike quit his job with EPS in May 2014 just minutes before his disciplinary hearing was due to begin.
APMD original incident ID: i-CBwS8srceyqHbU
sexual harassment; misconduct; fraud; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
Victim who was cooperating suffers serious injuries when officer releases police dog to attack
The victim alleges that in 2009, Constable Dzioba pulled him over for a missing licence plate. The Statement of Claim states that the victim cooperated by getting out of the car, placing his keys on the ground, putting his hands behind his head and approaching the officer to surrender. Despite this, the victim claims that Dzioba deployed his police dog without any warning or prior instruction to the victim. The victim suffered extensive injuries as the dog bit him for several minutes, resulting in permanent injuries and muscle damage. In 2012, Dzioba was due to attend a disciplinary hearing for unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority and deceit with relation to this event. He turned in his badge and resigned the day before the hearing was meant to occur.
Severe bleeding; Four puncture wounds; Permanent deformity; Muscle damage
APMD original incident ID: i-CaAbQU73cKd7ST
Charter; misconduct; on-duty; assault; abuse of authority; deceit; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
civil suit; criminal charge; disciplinary hearing; retired
Indigenous youth shot and killed by officer
On February 5th, 2011, Constable Redlick and several other officers were dispatched to a robbery call. At the scene, there was a confrontation between officers and a 17 year old Indigenous boy. Officers claim that the teen carried a knife and a baseball bat, and charged toward Redlick, yelling "you're going to have to shoot me". No physical contact or altercation had yet been made with the victim when Redlick shot him three times from what he judged to be around three meters away. He died soon after on the operating table. Family and friends on the Cold Lake First Nation say that he was a troubled boy and struggled with alcohol addiction but didn't deserve to die. A fatality inquiry report released in August 2014 ruled that Redlick's actions were justified because the officers at the scene were faced with lethal force. An investigation by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team also found Redlick's actions justified in December of 2011. The teen's family sued police, alleging that Redlick's testimony contained contradictions and fabrications. The teen's father hired a lawyer that asserted an Indigenous investigator should have been hired to look into the case.
Fatality; Gunshot wounds to chest and abdomen
Kozina v Redlick, 2019, Court of Queens Bench
APMD original incident ID: i-JwdvqV6lxOasMQ
youth; shooting; Indigenous; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
Youth victim cooperates with arrest, officer tases him despite cooperation
On April 3, 2004, a 21 year old man was followed by police in a car chase through North Edmonton. He was stopped with spike belts and got out of the car at a run. Soon he surrendered and dropped on his stomach to the ground. He was approached by six officers, including Constable Wasylyshen, who kicked him in the head. A knee was placed on his back holding him down, bloodying his face. He was then tasered multiple times by several officers.While attempting to handcuff him, Wasylyshen broke and injured fingers on the victim's hand. At a cross-examination after the event, the court found Wasylyshen to have displayed a disturbing arrogance and an unwillingness to confront his mistakes. In a 2012 disciplinary hearing, Wasylyshen was found guilty of two counts of unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority and insubordination.
Taser burn marks; Psychological trauma; Broken fingers; Injury to face resulting in bleeding
Michael Wasylyshen; Frattin; Bechthold; Fox; Sparreboom; Maschmeyer; Mitchell
APMD original incident ID: i-FWmfGjN6fgncOT
Unnecessary Exercise of Authority; conducted energy weapon (taser); insubordination; Charter; youth; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
Victim endures extensive delay of justice and lingering mental anguish when officer fails to lay charges against sexual violence perpetrator as directed
A series of delays and poor communication with regards to handling sexual assault charges caused considerable distress to a victim who had been sexually abused by both her father and brother. On December 30, 2009, Officer Dahl completed an arrest report detailing the arrest of a man for multiple crimes against his sister, including sexual assault. He also forwarded information to the Delta Police Department regarding laying charges against the victim's father for historic sexual assaults that had previously been dismissed with no charges. In early 2010, the Delta Police Department returned the file to Dahl, stating that Crown approval was needed before they could proceed. The documents were forwarded to the Edmonton Crown Prosecutor's office in May of 2010. On November 2, 2011, Officer Dahl was forwarded a letter from the Crown recommending charges of sexual interference and sexual assault against the victim's father. The letter included instructions for Dahl to notify the Crown when the charges were laid and initial court date. In 2013 Dahl appeared at the Assistant Chief Crown Prosecutor's office without appointment, announcing that he had never laid the charges as instructed. The victim had phoned him to inquire and he realized his mistake. Dahl was then subject to an EPS investigation on allegations of Neglect of Duty. Investigators contacted the victim who expressed frustration with the process for taking so long and preventing her from moving on with her life due to the trial hanging over her. She was also angered by the fact that her father had developed severe dementia and would be unlikely to be held accountable for his actions due to the delays. During a disciplinary hearing in 2015, the allegations were proven to be true. He was given an 80 hour suspension without pay.
Improper handling of sexual violence complaint
APMD original incident ID: i-C7s7EjENnve5NA
Edmonton Police Service; neglect of duty; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
Woman sexually assaulted by off-duty EPS officer
An acquaintance of EPS officer Samuel Sanson was allegedly sexually assaulted by him while he was off-duty in the early afternoon of January 20th, 2021. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) was directed to investigate and made the determination that Sanson should be charged for the assault.
APMD original incident ID: i-64u9ouR5BQBinr
Sexual assault; ASIRT; Off-duty; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
Victim has his home broken into by police before they interrogate, beat and tase him
Marty and Cynthia Lacerte had a number of officers forcefully enter their home on or around October 27, 2006. Upon doing so, their door was damaged, and both were interrogated by the officers without being informed of their Charter rights. When Marty asked about whether the officers had a warrant, one officer allegedly responded, falsely, that they didn't need one, after which Marty was then thrown to the ground. Allegedly, one officer stood on his head as others began kicking him and he was tased twice. After this ordeal, he was further detained.
Physical violence; Harassment; Psychological harm; Disregard of dignity
Mental anguish; Humiliation; Loss of dignity; Physical injury that required medical attention
Wadden; Donald Kightly; Richardson; Greg Scott; Dave Chow; Buerger; Kruse
APMD original incident ID: i-60snAoLiHNfRy1
Charter; Abuse of authority; On-duty; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
Asian man alleges officers were discriminatory in arresting him after calling for help
Yun Feng Chu had delivered a letter of eviction to a tenant at a property owned by his son, and made arrangements with the tenant to vacate on September 12th, 2001. On the day of September 12th, the tenant asked Chu for one more day to vacate the premises, to which he agreed. He arrived at the suite the next day to find its door open and was met by a young man instead of the tenant. The man told Chu to leave a few times and attempted to escort him off the property, ultimately shoving him and causing Chu to fall. Chu called for help and was first assisted by paramedics before police arrived. Chu does not speak fluent English and when he attempted to explain to officers that he was hit, they allegedly replied, "nobody hit you". When he responded that this was "not fair", they forcefully handcuffed him. He asked them to remove the cuffs five times to which they did not respond; when he asked for their names, only one of two officers (Brown) disclosed their names.
Profiling; Psychological harm; Disregard of dignity; Arrest
APMD original incident ID: i-3TbLfKGJ4dIUYa
Misconduct; On-duty; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
Man in mental health crisis tasered and arrested by police
On February 7th, 2017, after an argument with his father, an individual stated he would take his own life and left the residence with a hunting knife. Officers J. Blezy and D. McFarland were dispatched to his location and found the individual searching his vehicle, but upon being approach stated he had no knife. He was tased and arrested before being taken to a hospital. Months later on August 5th, 2017, the individual was arrested again by officers Strickland, Wagner, and Li, and allegedly assaulted by Wagner. During a verbal altercation at the police station with Strickland, he was allegedly told that he should kill himself as it'd save the police from further paperwork.
Physical violence; Psychological harm; Arrest
Emotional distress; Scratches; Swelling; Abrasions
J. Blezy; D. McFarland; M. Li; J. Strickland; Matthew Wagner
MN v Edmonton (Police Service), 2019 ABLERB 019
APMD original incident ID: i-0d8FLeZyHqtLNO
Excessive force; Unnecessary Exercise of Authority; Wellness check; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
Unhoused Indigenous individuals rounded up by EPS and transported to other side of city in "sweatbox" incident
On or around May 20th, 2005, a group of 9 unhoused Indigenous peoples--6 men and 3 women--were picked up by EPS officers Hannas, Blackburn and Sauter on Whyte Avenue and locked in a police van. No one was told why they were being detained. The van lacked seatbelts and there was not enough room for all individuals to sit on the bench, forcing some to sit on the floor. The van was also hot and crowded, but officers refused to roll down windows or turn on air conditioning. They also denied bathroom requests from the individuals, resulting in one woman urinating on the floor of the vehicle. After being driven around for about 90 minutes with frequent sudden stops and forceful turns that made them fall into each other, they were later let out of the van in the area of 127 Avenue and 82 Street on the other side of the city.
Forced removal from public space; Disregard of dignity; Profiling; Psychological harm
Graham Blackburn; Lael Sauter; Patrick Hannas
APMD original incident ID: i-0AIeTrQ31DpmVe
insubordination; discreditable conduct; abuse of authority; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
Two men assaulted while handcuffed during arrest; officer charged and convicted
In the early morning of December 15, 2008, Lauchlin Torry and Jean-Marc Viau were pulled over by Constable Haoyin Zheng during a vehicle stop near 145 Street and 104 Avenue. Torry and Viau were ordered out of the truck, which was later found to have been stolen. Police searched the men and found a piece of a coat hanger in Torry’s back pocket. While being handcuffed and put into the back of the police car, Torry and Viau report that they were beaten by Zheng. Torry testified in court that Zheng yelled at him, called him a “druggie”, and punched him on the cheek. During the trial, Constable Brad Stiksma testified that he heard Torry yell for help and noticed a fresh red scrape on his chin. Earlier in the trial, Viau testified that he was sitting handcuffed in the back of the police cruiser when Zheng leaned in, struck him with a flashlight three times, and repeatedly punched him in the head. After reporting pain in his ribs, Viau was taken to the hospital following the arrest. Viau was treated for bruising and was later released from the hospital. Zheng was charged with two counts of assault and one count of assault with a weapon in the alleged beating of Lauchlin Torry and Jean-Marc Viau. The judge ruled that Zheng used excessive force against Viau and he was found guilty of assault, receiving a conditional discharge, 12 months probation, and restriction to administrative duties. Zheng would later be convicted of another assault charge in an on-duty incident from 2010 and would resign from the Edmonton Police Service.
APMD original incident ID: i-ztOr9zBCckTb7M
Victim hit repeatedly by officer in on-duty assault; officer resigns after conviction
assault; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
Officer Zheng was convicted of assault and sentenced to probation.
Officer Haoyin Zheng was charged with and convicted of assault after a 2010 incident in which he repeatedly physically assaulted an intoxicated man in a condo hallway. Sean Andrew Spicer had returned to his condo building drunk and had broken a glass door, trying to enter the residence after losing his keys. Officers were called to the scene, and while arresting him, Spicer reported that Zheng delivered several head stuns, knocked him to the ground, and hit him with additional stuns to the body while he was down. This use of force resulted in injuries to his shoulders, ribs, back and head. Spicer’s mother, Bonnie, says that her son no longer trusts the police. “We don’t want people like this as police officers” Zheng was found guilty of assaulting Spicer in a provincial court and resigned shortly after his conviction. Zheng has previously been convicted of assault in violent on-duty interactions, which Crown prosecutor Matt Dalidowicz argues is a “pattern of behaviour”. Zheng was found guilty of two counts of assault in November 2011. Earlier that year, Zheng was found guilty of an unrelated assault that occurred while he was making an arrest. He received a conditional discharge, 12 months probation, and was restricted to administrative duties in that conviction, stemming from a December 2008 case.
Injuries to shoulders, ribs, back, and head
Officer Zheng was convicted of assault and handed a four-month conditional sentence and 45 days of house arrest. Zheng resigned from the EPS after the conviction.
Man receives permanent facial injuries requiring surgery in assault by EPS officers
Anthony Maskell was beaten and left with permanent facial injuries by Constables Nadine Comeau and Darin Goldenberg during a traffic stop in March of 2010. “This is a case of egregious police conduct — an unwarranted, grave assault causing serious permanent injuries,” Provincial court Judge Donna Groves said in a 2011 written ruling. “This is one of those ‘clearest of cases’ that requires the court to communicate unequivocally that such conduct will not be tolerated”. The officers pulled over Maskell because a check on his license plate revealed he was suspended from driving. Officers removed Maskell from the car and threw him to the ground, placing him in the prone position. Maskell said that he was aggressively handcuffed and that the handcuffs were too tight. Officer Weins, who arrived on the scene with his partner after Maskell was handcuffed, testified that Maskell was pushed against the side of the car to hold him up. Weins stated that Maskell was having difficulty holding himself up and his legs were unsteady. Maskell states that he was thrown like a “rag doll” and that his face was pushed against the car by officers Comeau and Goldenberg. He reported having difficulty remaining conscious and having difficulty remembering much of what happened during the encounter with police. The officers said that Maskell exhibited signs of impairment; however, Maskell explained that the slurred speech and any possible stumbling or disorientation on his part were symptoms of a head injury. Judge Grove noticed several inconsistencies between the testimony of Goldenberg and Comeau in their recounting of the events. The judge deemed Maskell’s testimony of events credible. Maskell’s family took him to the Royal Alexandra Hospital where he underwent a CT scan and it was determined that Maskell had suffered severe facial trauma. Maskell was diagnosed with multiple facial bone fractures predominantly on the right side of his face. Maskell’s orbital bone was broken, as well as his nose. He had a deviated septum, and the tissues in his cheek were separated from the bone. Surgery was required to repair the damage to the right zygoma, right maxilla, right orbital floor, and a resuspension of the right cheek tissue. During surgery, two titanium plates were permanently inserted in the orbital/cheek area.
Head injury resulting in loss of memory and difficulty remaining conscious; Multiple facial fractures; Permanent facial injuries requiring reconstructive surgery; Numbness to cheek; Temporary vision loss
APMD original incident ID: i-vF3DfnInEZ5bf2
Charter; excessive force; on-duty; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
Goldenberg and Comeau's conduct was questioned in a 2011 provincial court proceeding, resulting in a stay against the accused. The judge found that excessive force was used during the arrest and that victim's Charter Rights were breached.
Victim experiencing panic attack and suicidal thoughts encouraged by officer to "go ahead" and kill himself
Tyler Lychak was experiencing a panic attack and thoughts of suicide when he was assaulted by Edmonton Police Officer Binoy Prabhu on November 3, 2017. The incident began when Lychek went to the west Edmonton Police Station to report concerns about someone who may have been selling drugs to minors outside of a nearby store. Upon exiting the police station, Lychak’s foot hit one of the sliding doors and dislodged it, causing a loud noise (which officer Derek Cranna testified to in a disciplinary hearing). Officer Prabhu and another officer followed Lychak to the parking lot where there was an argument. Lychak was arrested for mischief, placed in handcuffs, and escorted back into the police station. Lychak was brought into a holding cell and was searched by the officers. Officer Prabhu found a pressurized spray can of Sabre ‘Dog and Coyote Attack Deterrent’ in Lychak’s pocket and Lychak was informed that he was under arrest for possession of a weapon. Lychak stated that he was frightened of Officer Prabhu and he began hyperventilating. While escorting Lychak to the phone room, Prabhu grabbed Lychak and pulled him with enough force that Lychak fell to the ground. Lychak told investigating officers that he hit his head on the wall and suffered bruising to his hip and back along with soreness to his neck and shoulder. Prabhu’s use of force was captured on police station closed-circuit cameras. Lychak used the phone to call 911, stating that he was having a panic attack and the police were not helping him. After Lychak made the phone call, Prabhu returned him to the holding cell. Lychak told the officer he was going to try to kill himself and that he had attempted suicide in the past. Prabhu responded with “go ahead”. In the disciplinary hearing that followed this incident, Prabhu admitted to the above statement and the use of excessive force. "I basically relive it every day," Lychak told CBC News. "It goes through my head every day and it's really hard to block it out…I want to do this so that in the future, people with mental disabilities or mental problems can get treated better by the police. I believe that training is necessary to save lives." In 2015, Prabu was charged with assaulting his wife. The charge was withdrawn in 2016 when Prabhu admitted that he had caused his wife to fear personal injury. Prabhu entered a one-year peace bond as a result. Prabhu received a criminal charge led to two separate findings of discreditable conduct. The first finding occurred two weeks after Prabhu's encounter with Lychak. He was given a 30-hour suspension without pay and ordered to seek counseling. Prabhu went on a six-month medical leave in December 2017 and sought psychological help. He also admitted to a neglect of duty misconduct charge that dated back to October 2017.
Tenderness to the back of head, right hip, and left knee; Emotional distress
Mental health; Suicidal; Panic attacks
In the Matter of the Police Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. P-17; and In the Matter of the Police Service Regulation, Alta. Reg. 356/1990; And in the Matter of Disciplinary Proceedings Against Regimental Number 2584 Constable Binoy PRABHU Of the Edmonton Police Service
APMD original incident ID: i-tfeCBlQOXXdAUx
Unnecessary Exercise of Authority; Discreditable conduct; Excessive force; Suicide; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
Officer Prabhu pleaded guilty to discreditable conduct and inappropriate use of force under the police act at a disciplinary hearing. Prabhu was demoted for four months, resulting in a $3,100 loss in pay.
Victim assaulted, arrested, and searched after jaywalking; EPS officers investigated and sued in civil court
Deron Kuski, a lawyer from Regina, was arrested on August 4, 2002, by Edmonton Police Service officers Jason Forbes and Carlos Cardoso after jaywalking. Kuski and two companions crossed a street with no visible traffic. After reaching the other side of the street, officers Forbes and Cardoso approached Kuski and his companions. Forbes asked Kuski for identification, which Kuski did not provide. Forbes asked Kuski if he could search him, to which Kuski replied “no, what for”. Without warning, Forbes placed Kuski in handcuffs and kneed him on the top of the knee, causing Kuski’s leg to buckle. Forbes proceeded to search Kuski and remove his identification and personal belongings from Kuski’s pockets. Kuski did not resist while being handcuffed but was shocked with the amount of aggression that the officers used against him. “Whenever I would hear about a complaint like this against a police officer or someone in authority, you hold some kind of skepticism toward it” Kuski said in a CBC article (linked below). “You think the guy must have done something, he must have lipped them off or got physical with them or something. And the fact this incident was not like that, yet they maintain they were within their rights of doing what they did, is so disturbing to me”. Forbes told Kuski that he would be taken to the police station. Kuski was read his rights, but he asserts that he was not told what he was being arrested for. Kuski was placed in a police cruiser and detained in a cell at the Old Strathcona Police station for approximately one hour before being released around 2:30 am. Kuski was locked out of the police station while only wearing a golf shirt and pants in 0 °C. After approximately 10 minutes outside of the station, Kuski knocked on the doors and asked to wait inside the station until his taxi arrived. The police officer answering the door refused Kuski re-entry, despite his complains about the cold. The taxi still had not shown up after an hour waiting outside, so Kuski obtained a ride from a pizza delivery driver back to his hotel. Kuski and his lawyer state the police were “reckless and malicious” by forcing the victim to wait outside in the cold in an unfamiliar city, without arranging appropriate transportation. Kuski left the station with citations for jaywalking and refusing to identify oneself to a police officer. Kuski filed a complaint against the officers, which was dismissed after 14 months. Kuski appealed the discission and filed a civil suit against Forbes and Cardoso.
Physical violence; Arrest; Withholding aid
Knee injury; Humiliation; Loss of dignity
Action No. 0303 15417 in the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta, Judicial District of Edmonton
APMD original incident ID: i-qZZ1vHwpqVzRQD
Edmonton Police Service; excessive force; unlawful use of force; on-duty; Charter; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
The victim's complaint was dismissed after 14 months; appealed and filed a civil suit.
An individual was allegedly assaulted by the officer in a family-related incident in July 2007.
Charged with one count of assault. Court case information not included.
APMD original incident ID: i-VwRZ0rT5sSaC2e
assault; domestic violence; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
Two sleeping men tasered by police after forced entry into hotel room
At approximately 02:00 hours on November 27, 2003, three men were sleeping in a room at the Cromdale hotel. Without the occupants' consent their room was entered by four police officers who were searching for an armed suspect in a robbery. Two of the men who were sleeping were subjected to a taser on stun mode. The police stated it was used to wake them up. The three men were detained and eventually released without charges. The police officer did not have sufficient ground to detain or arrest any of the men.
Physical violence; Disregard of dignity; Arrest
Criminal trial took place 10/06/2006-01/08/2007
APMD original incident ID: i-Sct88LfDcFysup
conducted energy weapon (taser); assault; Unnecessary Exercise of Authority; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
The officer was suspended without pay for a total of 90 hours. criminal charge; acquitted; disciplinary hearing; guilty; suspended without pay
22-year-old on crutches assaulted by off duty police officer
On December 18th, 2005 early in the morning, the victim was hailing a cab with his crutch. He had recently undergone knee surgery. Officer Wasylyshen and some colleagues were off-duty and drinking, and had just gotten out of a cab. Wasylyshen noticed the individual and started to verbally attack him (calling him a "cripple"). In return the victim yelled back. Wasylyshen approached the victim and struck him with a closed fist in the left ear. Wasylyshen's friends held him back after this. The victim then called two friends, who arrived shortly after. The group of three crossed the street. Wasylyshen followed them, there was a violent exchange between Wasylyshen and the victim's two friends, in which the friends pinned the police officer to the ground. At this point two loss prevention officers from a 7-11 decided to get involved. While they were separating the group, Wasylyshen uttered threats to the officers and struck one of them.
APMD original incident ID: i-S4iOZ8lImbFSEC
assault; threats; discreditable conduct; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
Wasylyshen pleaded guilty and was given a fine. In his workplace he was suspended without pay for 100 hours. charged; guilty; disciplinary hearing; fine; reprimand; suspended without pay
Victim assaulted while detained and then released in river valley
The victim, at the time unhoused and dealing with substance use issues, was asked to leave a 7-11 store. Police intervened while he was sleeping in the store, made physical contact to wake him up and asked him to leave. He returned to the store and was asked to leave again as he would be charged with public intoxication and trespass. The victim and the police travelled about three blocks before the incident continued. The victim was threatened with arrest for not identifying himself. While being handcuffed, Cst. O'Mara took the victim to the ground, punching him twice in the head, once while already handcuffed. Witnesses decribed the force as being excessive, recalling that the victim's head hit the pavement hard, causing a cut and substantial bleeding, with blood left on the sidewalk. The police then loaded the victim in the car and drove him south of the river to a different neighbourhood before releasing him. The police disabled the computer system that controlled GPS tracking before driving the victim, and only filed a report of a "Street Check".
Physical violence; Arrest; Forced ride/starlight tour; Forced removal from public space
Abrasion on forehead; Bleeding; Emotional distress
Unspecified - referenced in news article
R v O’Mara, 2019 ABPC 257; R v O'Mara, 2020 ABPC 201
APMD original incident ID: i-RJalMU7eRZ7aiI
assault; destroying evidence; unhoused person; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
Police Officer O'Mara was found guilty and sentenced to 18 months of probation.
Youth unlawfully searched during traffic stop, then strip searched at police station.
A 15 year old youth was driving their mother's car in North-East Edmonton on the 28th of December, 2014. Police initiated a traffic stop that a judge ruled was arbitrary. Their claim after the fact was that they could smell raw marijuana from the car and that there appeared to be a man driving when it was licensed to a woman. The police initiated an arrest of the youth, failed to read them their rights, and asked questions inviting the youth to incriminate themself. After unlawfully collecting evidence from a duffel bag in the car, the police placed the youth under arrest for "drug trafficking" and at this point read them their rights. Police then transported the youth back to the police station where they were strip searched, with the youth being completely exposed briefly, which is against the guidelines. The ruling states that "there was a pattern of Charter breaches that displayed a relentless search for evidence, on a hunch, with a total deliberate or reckless disregard for the Charter rights of the Young Person".
Violation of charter rights; Disregard of dignity; Arrest
APMD original incident ID: i-Q8cpDgfxsXvW7H
youth; unlawful search; strip search; traffic stop; Alberta Police Misconduct Database
In the charges against the young person, the property seized from the young person by the police shall be excluded due to a pattern of Charter breaches.
EPS officer found to have used excessive force during 2013 arrest
Bodnaruk was found to have used excessive force during an arrest in 2013.
Unlawful search of vehicle by officer ruled a breach of Charter rights
Burke was found to have violated Charter rights during an on-duty incident occuring in 2011 resulting in evidence exclusion in a criminal trial.
Former EPS officer pressured to drop sexual assault complaint against fellow officer
In 2018, a former EPS officer filed a complaint against Koshowski who alleged that Koshowski mishandled the investigation into the former officer's sexual assault complaint. The complaint against Koshowski was initially withdrawn by the complainant, who later changed her mind and wished to have the complaint reopened. The Chief of Police did not reopen the complaint and the complainant appealed to the Law Enforcement Review Board, who remitted the matter to the Police Commission for reconsideration in 2021.
Improper handling of sexual violence complaint; Sexual violence
misconduct; sexual assault; Sexual Offences
investigation; Law Enforcement Review Board
Officers found civilly liable for use of excessive force during on-duty incident
Abbott and Cochlin were found civilly liable in 2005 for the use of excessive force during an on-duty incident that occurred in 1998.
excessive force; unlawful arrest; unlawful detention; on-duty
Passenger struck in face during traffice stop, officer receives 10 hour suspension
Lewis was subject to a disciplinary hearing in 2018 regarding allegations of use of excessive force. Lewis received a suspension of 10 hours without pay and made to undergo further training.
disciplinary hearing; suspended without pay
Man struck by officer, injured by police dog during arrest
A judge found in 2010 that the force Burns' police dog Diablo used during an arrest was reasonable.
police service dog; use of force; on-duty
Man on parole accuses EPS officers of harassment
Tsang was subject to an investigation for harassment of a person on probation from 2013 to 2014, but the charges were dismissed after investigation by the Chief of EPS. This decision was upheld by the LERB in 2016.
Victim suffers facial fractures during arrest
In 2019 and 2020, Downing was subject to a disciplinary hearing regarding allegations of excessive force and use of racial slurs during a 2015 arrest. The hearing had to be postponed after a witness to the arrest testified that she had been arrested by Downing two weeks before the hearing. Downing was acquitted in 2021 after further delays due to COVID-19. Downing's former partner Talvio had been charged under the Police Act for allegedly submitting false reports about the incident, but he was also acquitted in 2021.
abuse of authority; discreditable conduct; on-duty; Charter; Edmonton Police Service; assault; bodily harm
guilty; disciplinary hearing; civil suit; acquitted
Woman struck in face by officer settles with Edmonton Police Service, city
Connor was subject to a Disciplinary Hearing regarding allegations of Unlawful Exercise of Authority and Discreditable Conduct for an on-duty incident occurring in 2006, where he was photographed shoving a handcuffed woman and pushing her to the ground. The woman filed a civil suit against Connor and settled out of court for an undisclosed sum. Connor was found not guilty in 2008.
on-duty; assault; abuse of authority; discreditable conduct
Victim dies of cardiac arrest after being forcibly removed from car, restrained during arrest
A 2012 LERB decision found that Willms did not use excessive force while restraining a person that ultimately resulted in his death during a 2006 arrest.
Physical violence; Fatal violence; Arrest
Arrest leaves man with facial fractures, officers cleared
Redlick was cleared of any wrongdoing in a 2016 Disciplinary Hearing after allegations of excessive force used on a man in custody in 2013.
excessive force; abuse of police powers; harassment
disciplinary hearing; cleared of charges
Officer found guilty of unnecessary exercise of authority in unlawful strip search
Allen was subject to a 2009 Disciplinary Hearing regarding allegations of Insubordination and Unlawful or Unnecessary Exercise of Authority involving an inappropriate strip search. Both counts were proven, though the misconduct conviction was overturned on appeal to the LERB in 2014.
insubordination; abuse of authority; strip search; citizen complaint
Doctor unlawfully arrested and searched during traffic stop
In 2010, a charge of speeding against an accused was stayed after the Provincial Court of Alberta found that Thomas breached the accusedÕs section 9 Charter rights by unlawfully arresting him. The accused alleged racial profiling by Thomas but the Court held that there wasnÕt enough evidence to support the allegation.
Racial profiling; Physical violence; Arrest
Man complains of police brutality in arrest, charges against officer dismissed in internal hearing
A disciplinary hearing found that Watson did not use excessive force to restrain a person during a 1993 arrest.
Officers investigated by review board for allegations of beating and verbally abusing teenager, charges dismissed
Three EPS officers were subject to an LERB hearing for allegations of unlawful use of force and discreditable conduct for an incident that occurred in 2003. The LERB upheld the Chief's original decision to dismiss the allegations.
excessive force; unlawful arrest; unlawful detention; on-duty; misconduct; unlawful use of force
Officer found to have violated charter rights by unlawfully searching vehicile in traffic stop
Berge was found to have infringed the Charter rights of an arrestee during an unlawful search during an arrest in 2003. This breach resulted in exclusion of evidence during criminal trial.
drugs; Charter; unlawful search; unreasonable arrest; on-duty
Officer pleads guilty to assaulting wife
In 2002 Mugford pleaded guilty to assaulting his ex-wife. He was given a 40 hour suspension without pay.
Officers charged with unnecessary exercise of authority in arrest and detainment of man
A 2019 LERB decision directed that charges of unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority be laid against Szawlowski, Barron, and Price in connection with a 2015 arrest.
Arthur Szawlowski, C. Barron, and S. Price
Woman kicked in head during arrest by ETS officer
McDougall pleaded guilty to assault in 2016 after he kicked a handcuffed woman in the head during an arrest. He was fined $1,000 and given six months probation, during which he was to perform 40 hours of community service. McDougall resigned from Edmonton Transit.
resigned; guilty plea; probation; fine; community service
Victim unlawfully detained and Charter Rights violated in 2004 arrest, rules judge
A Court of Queen's Bench judge ruled in 2005 that Hudon and Stallknecht unlawfully detained an individual, failed to read the individualÕs rights and conducted an illegal search of the vehicle during a 2004 arrest. The judge ruled that the individualÕs Charter rights had been breached by this conduct, and that the evidence seized be excluded.
unlawful detainment; unlawful search; Charter
Off-duty police officer charged with sexual assault, charge later withdrawn by victim
Fossen was subject to an ASIRT investigation and charged with sexual assault during an off-duty incident in 2019. The charge was withdrawn against him by the victim.
ASIRT; sexual assault; off-duty; Sexual Offences
Coworker assaulted by EPS Detective Wilson, criminal charges stayed
Wilson was charged in 2013 with an assault on a subordinate EPS member in 2011. Wilson was suspended without pay as a result of the charge and another unrelated internal incident. The charge was stayed shortly after it was laid.
Victim tased, officer charged with assault with a weapon
Claydon was charged with assault with a weapon in 2013, following a Professional Standards Branch investigation that found he used a taser without lawful authority.
Victim assaulted, restrained, and arrested by several EPS officers; Charter Rights violated
A number of EPS officers were sued in civil court for allegations of Charter breaches during an on-duty incident occurring in 2006.
Physical violence; Arrest; Violation of charter rights
Rowan Jennings; Brenda Buckner (Dalzier)
Charter; lying by superior officer; on-duty; misconduct
Officer suspended without pay after arrest for impaired driving
In 2015, Wilson pleaded guilty to operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration twice the legal limit. In a 2016 disciplinary hearing, Wilson was found to guilty of discreditable conduct due to his drunk driving conviction. He was suspended for 70 hours without pay.
impaired driving; dangerous driving; discreditable conduct; drunk driving
guilty plea; disciplinary hearing; suspended without pay
Woman hit in face with taser during arrest by EPS officer
Belland hit a woman in the face with his taser after she spat soup in his face during a 2010 arrest. The woman was charged with three counts of assaulting a police officer as a result, though all charges were dropped as police did not act in the lawful execution of their duty at the time. The court found that the strike with the taser could not have been accidental.
Charter Rights of civilian breached in traffic stop, officer found guilty
Gill was found to have breached the Charter rights of an Accused during an on-duty traffic stop by demanding breath samples without reasonable grounds to do so.
Charter; on-duty; traffic stop; impaired driving
Search of vehicle and evidence obtained in arrest ruled unlawful by judge
A Queen's Bench judge did not accept Willits testimony in a 2008 trial, wherein the judge excluded evidence obtained by the police during an unlawful search of a vehicle during an arrest. In another 2008 trial, a Court of Queen's Bench judge found that a search conducted by Willits and another officer during an arrest was unlawful.
inaccurate testimony; unlawful search; unlawful arrest; unreasonable search and seizure; illegal search
Allegations of misconduct against EPS officer dismissed in hearing
Eluik was subject to a 2006 LERB hearing regarding allegations of six counts of misconduct occuring during an on-duty incident in 2001. The board dismissed the allegations against Eluik.
Off-duty officer guilty of impaired driving
Chafe pleaded guilty to discreditable conduct and faced a police disciplinary hearing for off-duty incident occurring in 2011, where he operated a motor vehicle while impaired. Chafe was also charged with having a restricted weapon in his vehicle, on which he was later cleared.
drunk driving; off-duty; possession of prohibited weapon; discreditable conduct
Teenager kicked in head by officer, officer found guilty of inappropriate use of force
An RCMP officer testified that she witnessed Thursby stomp twice on the head of a teen that was not causing any trouble in 2008. In a 2013 Disciplinary hearing, Thursby was found guilty of using inappropriate force for stepping on the teen's head after finding his testimony not credible. Thursby was handed a 15-hour unpaid suspension. The criminal charges in connection with the arrest were dropped. A 2013 LERB decision dismissed Thursby's appeal.
charged; charges dropped; disciplinary hearing; Law Enforcement Review Board
Charges dismissed against officer accused of excessive force in altercation with minor
At a Disciplinary Hearing in 2007, two charges of Unlawful or Unnecessary Exercise of Authority and Discreditable Conduct against Zacharuk were found to be unproven.
Unnecessary Exercise of Authority; discreditable conduct
Woman kicked by police officer, officer found to have used excessive force
In 2005, Williams was found to have used unnecessary and excessive force as a result of kicking a women in anger.
abuse of police powers; excessive force; assault
Three teenagers arrested after playing with toy guns, officer reprimanded
Poonian pleaded guilty in a 2018 Disciplinary Hearing, following an LERB hearing, to Unlawful or Unnecessary Exercise of Authority and Neglect of Duty, contrary to Police Service Regulation in relation to the arrest of three teenagers. He received a reprimand.
Unnecessary Exercise of Authority; neglect of duty
Law Enforcement Review Board; disciplinary hearing; guilty plea; reprimand
Officer charged with dangerous driving after high speed collision
Shepansky was criminally charged with unlawfully operating a motor vehicle after her police vehicle collided with a pedestrian vehicle in 2014, to which she pleaded guilty. Following a 2016 disciplinary hearing for the matter, Shepansky was suspended without pay for 70 hours.
charged; guilty; suspended without pay; disciplinary hearing
Victim handcuffed then had police kneel on back.
A 2016 LERB decision found that the allegations of unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority and neglect of duty during a 2011 incident were unfounded. Vachon-Zee was video-recorded of having knelt on the suspect's back while handcuffed. An ASIRT investigation was also launched but no criminal charges would be pursued.
Unnecessary Exercise of Authority; neglect of duty; video footage; use of force; ASIRT
Man faces threats of violence from police officer, who was later found guilt of discreditable conduct.
Jones was found guilty of Discreditable Conduct in a 2006 Disciplinary Hearing for threatening to run down his ex-wifeÕs boyfriend with his car.
discreditable conduct; death threat; domestic abuse
Douglas was subject to an LERB hearing regarding allegations of multiple counts of misconduct during an on-duty incident occurring in 2002. The matter was remitted back to the Chief of Police to be reviewed.
Physical violence, Withholding aid, Disregard of dignity, Arrest
Wedman was accused of using excessive force on an arrestee in EPS cells in 2013. A 2018 LERB decision found Wedman did not use excessive force. Wedman was sued in 2015 in relation to this incident.
Pearce was charged with assault causing bodily harm for his role in the arrest of a halfway house resident. The charges were cleared due to a mistrial. The matter also came before the LERB.
McCracken was found guilty of discreditable conduct in 2014 after he assaulted his former fiance while off duty on a trip to Mexico, punching her in the face and chest and attempting to strangle her. McCracken was suspended for 50 hours without pay.
In 2003, Brander was found not guilty of criminal negligence after a 2001 accident where his police cruiser, traveling at speeds of 120 km/h, struck a car carrying a family, killing a seven year old boy and severely injuring the boy's younger brother. Brander and Edmonton Police were also sued in civil court by the boys' family.
allegation; criminal negligence; bodily harm
Victim accuses officers of unlawful assault, falseful imprisonment
Parker was involved in a 2011 shooting that was found to be justified.
bodily harm; conducted energy weapon (taser)
Police officers accused of excessive force
Fairhurst and Olsson were subject to an EPS investigation and charged with assault following an on-duty incident in 2012. They were both acquitted in 2015.
on-duty; Edmonton Police Service; assault
Victim accuses officers of unlawful and excessive force, assault
A number of EPS officers were sued in civil court for allegations of Charter rights breaches and other misconducts during an on-duty incident occurring in 2011.
Andria Edge; Jennifer Shawaga; Clayton Schultz; Brendan Power
Charter; on-duty; misconduct; unlawful search
Police officers charged with excessive force and misconduct during in the course of arresting
Three EPS officers were sued in civil court for allegations of Charter Breaches, abuse of authority and excessive force regarding an on-duty incident occurring in 2006.
Andrea Thomas; Don Brownell; Christopher Noel
Charter; abuse of authority; discreditable conduct; assault; insubordination; excessive force
Victim accusess officer of excessive force
Pugh was criticized by a Provincial Court Judge for using excessive force on a man during a 2008 arrest.
excessive force; drunk driving; discreditable conduct; cover up
Mishio was involved in an altercation with a student at Eastglen High School in 2008, wherein the teen pushed Mishio and Mishio pepper sprayed the teen twice after getting him on the ground. Mishio also put the student in prohibited chokehold. Mishio was working as a school resource officer when the altercation took place.
pepper spray; assault; School Resource Officer
In a 2013 Disciplinary Hearing, Tsang plead guilty to two counts of Discreditable Conduct pursuant to the Police Service Regulation for threatening an individual.
A number of EPS officers were sued for aggravated, exemplary and punitive damages due to an on-duty incident occurring in 2004. The plaintiff alleged that the officers entered the plaintiff's residence illegally and wrongfully prosecuted the plaintiff on charges with no reasonable grounds.
Gerry Vercammen; Jamie Elkow; Doug Korek; Mitch Agar
illegal entry; residence; malicious prosecution; on-duty; misconduct
Victim of arrest was not informed of their rights, home was subject to an unreasonable search
In 2008, evidence obtained against an accused during a 2005 arrest was excluded after the trial judge found that Tames failed to advise the accused of their Charter rights or provide them with a caution, and that the accused's home was subject to an unreasonable search by Dara.
Victim accuses officers of unlawful assualt with a weapon
Ewatski was convicted of assault during an on-duty incident occurring in 2004 and given a conditional discharge. A Queen's Bench judge overturned the conviction in 2009.
guilty; conditional discharge; conviction overturned; acquitted
Unauthorized home search by police officers
Hayward was subject to a Disciplinary Hearing and found guilty of three counts of unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority during an on-duty incident in 2017.
Elkow was subject to a Disciplinary Hearing regarding allegations of Unlawful or Unnecessary use of Authority during an on-duty incident in 2004. The misconduct charges were dropped after the Presiding Officer determined that time extensions during the investigation into Elkow's misconduct were overdue and therefore null. Elkow was also sued in civil court regarding the 2004 incident.
abuse of authority; on-duty; Charter; misconduct; unlawful entry into premises
Victim alleges officers committed unlawful assault
A number of EPS officers were accused of malicious prosecution and unlawful assault following an on-duty incident in 1998, and were sued in 2008 in relation to the incident, but the plaintiff's action was dismissed. The officers were also subject to review before the Law Enforcement Review Board.
Christopher Edge; Aubrey Zalaski; Steve Zielie
Officers sued civilly for on duty incident
Edge and Goodkey were sued in civil court regarding a 1998 on-duty incident.
excessive force; assault; unlawful detainment; Charter
Victim subjected to excessive force during arrest
A Provincial Court justice determined that Kostek used excessive force during the 2009 arrest of a man who then spit on him.
Police officer charged with assault after off-duty incident
Robinz was charged in 2021 with assault and unsafe storage of a firearm following an off-duty incident earlier in 2021. Robinz was suspended without pay.
Physical violence; Endangering the public
Police fail to investigate death threat against fellow officer
Bulas and Werth were subject to a LERB hearing for allegations of failing to properly investigate a death threat made against a fellow police officer in 2014.
Victim accuses officer of using excessive force during arrest
Rakievich was sued civilly for allegations of excessive force during a 2010 arrest. At the arrestee's 2011 trial the judge found that the arresting officers' actions were justified.
Victim tasered by police officer who was found guilty of unneccesary use
Hoglund was subject to a disciplinary hearing regarding allegations of unlawful and unnecessary use of a taser and failing to report it during an on-duty incident occurring in 2004. He was found guilty on both counts and suspended without pay for 35 hours.
Breach of charter rights during traffic stop
Van Der Loop breached an accused's s.10(b) Charter rights during a 2019 traffic stop.
traffic stop; Charter; failure to perform police duties
charges dropped; Alberta Transportation Safety Board
Police entered residence without warrant, handcuffed resident
A number of EPS officers were sued in civil court for allegations of improper police attendance during an on-duty incident in 2004. The plaintiffs were awarded damages in the case.
Czerwonka, Paul; MacLeod, Doug; Bradshaw, Mike; Chief of Police; Swist, John; Wing, Newton; Hladky, Lenore; Aston, Glenn; Brekke, Rob; Shipka, Dean; Douglas, Kevin
Police officer charged with assault from on duty incident
Bouwmeester was charged with assault in 2018 after an Professional Standards Branch investigation regarding an on-duty incident in 2017.
Police fail to investigate senior's care facility after complaints
In 2012, the LERB directed that a hearing be conducted on the disciplinary charge of neglect of duty against Tracy for failing to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of complaints made concerning a seniors care facility.
neglect of duty; senior care; citizen complaint
Law Enforcement Review Board; disciplinary hearing
Victim accused police officer of using excessive force, LERB decision disagrees
Vachon-Zee allegedly used excessive force during a 2017 incident. A 2020 LERB decision found that there was no excessive force used.
Police offiers tresspassed and conducted search without warrant
Behiels, Roblin and LeBlanc were subject to an LERB hearing regarding charges of trespassing and a warrantless search during an on-duty incident in 2018. That matter was remitted to the Chief for re-investigation.
warrantless search; trespassing; on-duty
Law Enforcement Review Board; re-investigation
Police officer fails to investigate death threat
A fellow EPS member filed a complaint against Werth that he failed to properly investigate a death threat in 2014. Specifically, Werth failed to properly interview individuals with respect to allegations of a death threat, prematurely concluded that the death threat was unsubstantiated and did not fulfill his duty to warn the subject of the threats. The LERB in its 2016 decision did not find WerthÕs conduct to be unreasonable.
failure to perform police duties; death threat; lack of protocol; Edmonton Police Service
Law Enforcement Review Board; appeal; dismissed
Victim awarded damages for excessive force during arrest
Huynh was sued in civil court for an on-duty incident which occurred in 1998, along with the other officers who arrested the Plaintiff and the EPS itself. The Plaintiff alleged that the officers who arrested her used excessive force causing physical, emotional, and mental damage. Huynh and a second officer dragged the Plaintiff along the floor when she refused to leave, and the second officer kicked her in the head. The Court found EPS liable and awarded damages.
assault; excessive force; on-duty; causing a disturbance; racial slurs; violent act; injuries
Woman assaulted by ex-husband, an off duty police officer
Hay was subject to a Disciplinary Hearing and found guilty of discreditable conduct during an off-duty incident in 2017, in which he assaulted his ex-wife. He also plead guilty to a criminal charge of assault for the same incident.
disciplinary hearing; criminal charge; guilty plea; guilty
Victim physically attacked inside cellblock by police officer
Flavell was found guilty of Unlawful or Unnecessary Exercise of Authority during an on-duty incident in 2014. Flavell was scolded during his disciplinary hearing for being on his cell phone instead of listening to testimony. He was suspended without pay for 35 hours.
Youth assaulted by off duty police officer
Pullman was charged with assault for an off-duty incident in 2004 where he allegedly assaulted a youth.
Police officer sued for use of force and unlawful arrest
Piquette was sued in 2008 for allegations of use of force and unlawful arrest.
unlawful arrest; use of force; discreditable conduct
Police officer assaults another officer while off duty
In a 2017 Disciplinary Hearing, McCrudden was found guilty of discreditable conduct for assaulting another EPS member while off-duty at a wedding.
discreditable conduct; assault; off-duty
Police officer charged with impaired driving
Goss was subject to a 2010 disciplinary hearing and found guilty of two counts of discreditable conduct. Goss became impaired by drinking at a restaurant while off-duty along with EPS officers Anderson, Hladky, and Lawczynski. Goss was warned not to drive by the restaurant staff, yet did so anyways. When his vehicle and license plate were phoned in to EPS as a potentially impaired driver, he lied that he had been home all night when contacted by a superior officer. Goss was demoted from Sargeant to a 5th Year Constable, a financial equivalent of $30,000.
Criminal charge of assault in case against police officer
Frattin was criminally charged with assault due to an on-duty incident occurring in 2007.
Victim in arrest has charter rights violated by police
Fradley was found to have breached an individual's Charter Rights during an arrest in 2011. As a result, evidence obtained during the breach were excluded from the individual's trial.
Off duty police officer physically violent in altercation
In a 2015 Disciplinary Hearing, Turner was charged with Discreditable Conduct pursuant to the Police Service Regulation for an off-duty verbal and physical altercation at the The Ranch Roadhouse. Turner was given a 60 hour suspension without pay.
disciplinary hearing; charged; suspended without pay
Victim sues officers for excessive use of force
Three EPS officers were sued in civil court in 2009 for allegations of unlawful arrest and excessive force during an on-duty incident occurring in 2007.
on-duty; unlawful arrest; excessive force
Home invaded by police officer without warrant, did not identify themself or explain invasion of privacy
In a Disciplinary Hearing in 2020, Whitecross was found guilty of Neglect of Duty by entering a home and failing to identify himself, neglecting to explain the full reason as to why he was inside the house, and not obtaining the necessary warrant. Whitecross was given a 50 hour suspension without pay and had to undergo further training.
neglect of duty; warrantless search; failure to perform police duties
disciplinary hearing; guilty; suspended without pay; further training
Arrest of individual leads to assault causing bodily harm charges against officers, ends in mistrial
McIntyre and Pearce were charged with assault causing bodily harm following the 2001 arrest of a halfway house resident. The charges were dismissed due to a mistrial. The matter also came before the LERB.
Victim suffers permanent injuries in police assault
In 2011, the Alberta Provincial Court described the conduct of Wiens and two other officers as egregious, grave and unwarranted, where they assaulted an individual causing serious permanent injuries. Further, Wiens and his fellow officers provided misleading testimony due to the officersÕ Òcircle of silence."
assault; injuries; misleading information; inaccurate testimony; cover up
Police officers circulate racist and discriminatory emails, abuse towards Indigenous peoples
Carter was the subject of an LERB hearing in 2010 regarding his creation and dissemination of a racist and otherwise offensive email known as "Mr. Socko's Ten Principles of Downtown Policing" that was forwarded to a number of Edmonton Police officers in 2002 and other years. Carter and another officer, Radmanovich, were issued official warnings on their records. The email read as follows: "ÒMr SOCKOÕS Ten Principles of Downtown Policing. (Alternatively known as MR SOCKOÕS ÒDowntown WayÓ) 1) All the best ÒInvestigationsÓ end in a brawl. 2) The key to a successful partnership is to have crime on one another. 3) An ÒAboriginalÓ is actually just an Indian. 4) D58 is more than just transportation and should always be referred to as the ÒMobile Native Friendship Centre.Ó 5) Operating the D58 is the most noble job in the department. Ensure all subjects you deal with in the M.N.F.C. address you as ÒAmbassador.Ó 6) The Gaming and Liquor Act is the supreme document which governs us all. 7) Every arrest should be followed by a vague, yet wordy report. 8) In order to color an otherwise boring police report, repeatedly use words like ÒTrannyÓ, ÒWhoreÓ, and ÒAss-FuckedÓ, even if they have (sic) nothing to do with the investigation. 9) PCU is for stuff you already have. 10) Tom ENGEL is SATAN.Ó"
on-duty; abuse of authority; racism; Edmonton Police Service
Victim subjected to physical violence during their arrest
Humphreys was sued civilly for alleged excessive use of force during a 2010 incident.
Douziech and her partner Sparreboom, shot at a man during an altercation in 2005, killing him. At a 2007 fatality hearing, Douziech testified that officers are trained to always shoot at the "centre of the mass", instead of trying to shoot weapons out of hands.
Bodnaruk and Kassian were subject to an investigation by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) for an on-duty incident occurring in 2010, where they fatally shot a woman.
Police officer accessed database information without cause and shared details externally once
Pitts was charged with 24 counts of Insubordination, one count of Deceit and one count of Neglect. He resigned 10 days before the disciplinary hearing.
insubordination; deceit; neglect of duty
Woman suffers injuries during arrest, alleges discriminatory comments
Gamble was subject to allegations that he breached Charter rights during an arrest by use of excessive force, dragging or shoving a man down a set of stairs. The man also alleged Gamble used anti-immigrant language.
Physical Violence; Discriminatory language; Arrest
Police accused of unlawful entry of residence
A 2011 LERB decision found that the Chief's decision to not investigate an allegation of unlawful entry into a residence against Tabaka was reasonable.
Accused faced long delay in justice process due to police violation of charter rights
Bowen was found to have breached the Charter Rights of an accused during a 2005 investigation, leading to a 42 month delay in the accused's access to justice.
Police officer exerts unlawful authority in search of property without a warrant
Behiels and Hayward were subject to a disciplinary hearing due to an on-duty incident in 2017 involving a warrantless search. Behiels was cleared of both disciplinary charges but Hayward was found guilty of three counts of unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority.
disciplinary hearing; Law Enforcement Review Board; guilty
Victim who was arrested alleged charter rights violation
Bruni-Bossio was subject to allegations of a Charter Rights breach during an on-duty incident occuring in 2006. A judge found that Bruni-Bossio's actions did not breach the arrestee's Charter Rights.
Charter; on-duty; unreasonable search and seizure
Edwards was subject to an investigation after he shot a fleeing suspect four times after the suspect stabbed Edwards' police dog with a kitchen knife in 2006. During the suspect's 2010 trial, a judge found his Charter Rights were breached and that Edwards used excessive force. While he was being investigated Edwards was promoted from Constable to Detective within the police force.
shooting; drowning; Edmonton Police Service; abuse of authority; neglect of duty; police service dog; violation of Charter rights; misconduct; brutality; on-duty; excessive force
In 2008, Toner was convicted of impaired driving. He was given 18-months probation. A disciplinary hearing resulted in docking $4,800 in wages and overtime.
guilty; probation; disciplinary hearing; forfeiture of pay
Multiple officers sued for abuse of authority against youths with airsoft guns
A number of EPS officers were sued for allegations of Charter Rights breaches and other misconducts during an on-duty incident in 2012. Two officers were also subject to a Disciplinary Hearing regarding allegations of Discreditable Conduct, Unlawful or Unnecessary Exercise of Authority and Deceit during the same incident, which involved several youth. Both officers pleaded guilty to Unlawful or Unnecessary Exercise of Authority and Neglect of Duty and received reprimands on their records and were required to undertake special training to review the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
M. Burke; Timothy Connell; D. Jamieson; Victor Pipke; Jessie Poonian; Brian Rutherford; Darren Smith; Wes Thomas; S. Corrigan; M. Chernyk; S. Sellsted; F. Challenger; D. Christoforou
Charter; on-duty; misconduct; discreditable conduct; abuse of authority; deceit; youth
Woodburn was found to have wrongfully arrested an Edmonton criminal defence attorney in 2011 for impaired driving, though Woodburn did not subject the lawyer to a breathalyzer, nor did he make any notes regarding the smell of alcohol on the lawyer's breath. Woodburn was suspended for 50 hours without pay following a disciplinary hearing. Another EPS officer, Dana Donald, informed Woodburn of the lawyer's suspected level of intoxication.
Officers make victim-blaming comments on radio show discussing sexual assault
Zalaski made comments on a CHED radio show in 2010 about sexual assault, that he later apologized for. Zalaski said, "If you are going to go out drinking and you're are going to get involved in that environment where you know there are a lot of predators, you know there's a lot of people out there, you are dressing in a certain manners and dancing a certain ways, you are creating opportunity shall I say... there is consequences, not saying anyone deserves to be victimized, but the fact is you have to mitigate how you become a victim."
public comments; sexual assault; credibility
Furlong was subject to a disciplinary hearing and found guilty of four counts of discreditable conduct following an incident in 2011, where he urinated on another officer. Furlong was dismissed from the police service. Furlong appealed the dismissal and was reinstated by the LERB. That decision was in turn appealed by the Edmonton Police Service, and Furlong was ultimately dismissed.
Officer found guilty of discreditable conduct and criminally charged for off-duty assault
Roblin was found guilty of Discreditable Conduct in a 2017 Disciplinary Hearing for assaulting a member of the EPS while Roblin was off-duty at a wedding in 2015. Roblin was also charged criminally for this assault.
off-duty; assault; discreditable conduct
disciplinary hearing; guilty; criminal charge; suspended without pay
Zacharuk was charged in 2022 with assault causing bodily harm in relation to a 2019 arrest, where he allegedly used force on a 20 year old man in the EPS cells. The charge was laid following an investigation by ASIRT.
Officer convicted of assault for excessive force
Yum was convicted of assault for kicking a man in the chest in 1997, which was found to be excessive force, and fined $200. He was later acquitted upon appeal. Yum was also civilly sued. As of 2015, Yum was an Acting Staff Sergeant in the EPS robbery section.
fine; acquitted; civil suit; appeal; promotion
Officers sued for assault, abuse of authority, and other misconduct
Three EPS officers were sued in civil court regarding allegations of Charter Rights Infringement and other counts of misconduct during an on-duty incident occurring in 2005.
Charter; misconduct; on-duty; assault; abuse of authority; deceit
Stel pleaded guilty of one count of assault while acting as a member of the EPS in 2015. He was given a conditional discharge and required to pay a $100 victim fine charge. In a 2016 Disciplinary Hearing, Stel was found guilty of Discreditable Conduct contrary to the Police Service Regulation for the assault. He was suspended for 25 hours without pay.
guilty; conditional discharge; disciplinary hearing; suspended without pay
Officer found guilty of impaired driving
Goss was subject to a 2010 disciplinary hearing and found guilty of two counts of discreditable conduct. Goss became impaired by drinking at a restaurant while off-duty. He was warned not to drive by the restaurant staff, yet did so anyways. When his vehicle and license plate were phoned in to EPS as a potentially impaired driver, he lied that he had been home all night when contacted by a superior officer. Goss was demoted from Sergeant to a 5th Year Constable, a financial equivalent of $30,000. Goss's wife and fellow EPS officer, Fay Goss, also faced a disciplinary hearing in 2013, regarding a post she made on the Edmonton Police Association's Facebook page regarding the outcome of her husband's disciplinary hearing, as well as an email sent to the Chief of Police in contravention of an order to not send any further inflammatory emails.. She was found to have committed discreditable conduct and insubordination and was given a 12 hour suspension without pay.
Officers sued for excessive use of force
A number of EPS officers were sued in 2013 for excessive use of force and assault regarding an on-duty incident. The action was dismissed against Andrews and Mitchler, and the deciding judge found that the other officers' actions were justified in the arrest.
Brad Andrews; Patricia Dvorak, Mark Gogerla; Scott Mitchler; Curtis Rakievich; Adam Woodburn
Officers accused of using excessive force and racial slurs during arrest
Willms and Chow were accused of using racial slurs and excessive force against a person in custody during a 2006 arrest. A 2011 LERB decision found that the officers did not use excessive force, or use racial slurs.
Physical violence, Discriminatory language
racial slurs; excessive force; unreasonable arrest; racism; video footage; destroying evidence
Officer found to have breached victim's charter rights by searching vehicle without cause
Corcoran was found to have breached the Charter Rights of an arrestee in 2010 by not having reasonable grounds to search the arrestee's vehicle.
Charter; misconduct; on-duty; no reasonable ground to arrest
Officer found guilty of assaulting former spouse
In a 2019 disciplinary hearing, Wynnyk was found guilty of discreditable conduct for assaulting her former spouse at their residence. She was suspended 40 hours without pay.
discreditable conduct; domestic violence
disciplinary hearing; guilty; suspended without pay
Civil suit filed against a number of officers for aggressive arrest and unlawful search
A number of EPS officers were named in a 2011 Statement of Claim in which two people were aggressively arrested and subjected to an unlawful search of their vehicles in 2009. In 2011 the LERB directed that the incident be reinvestigated, and in 2013 dismissed a further appeal.
Richard Abbott; Robert Crawford; Wade Gushnowski; Melony Gushnowski; Duane Hunter; Scott Innes; Jason Mitzel; Lance Parker; Guy Pilon; Victor Pipke; Kevin Yaremchuck
excessive force; unlawful arrest; on-duty; misconduct
civil suit; Law Enforcement Review Board
Officer given conditional discharge after pleading guilty to phone harassment
McLean was charged in 2009 with two counts of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. He pleaded guilty to one count of intent to harass someone by telephone and was given a conditional discharge from EPS.
Civil suit filed against officers over alleged warrantless home search and assault
Yaremchuk and Redlick were named in a 2009 Statement of Claim, that alleged the two, along with other unnamed officers, were involved in a warrantless search of the plaintiff's home, and that they assaulted him during the search.
Officers charged with charter breaches and misconduct
Corcoran and Newell were sued in civil court for allegations of Charter Rights breaches and other misconduct occurring during an on-duty incident in 2007.
Physical Violence, Violation of Charter Rights
Officer shoves a man down a flight of stairs and is found guilty of professional misconduct
In 2015 Mowatt shoved a man down a flight of stairs at the Hope Mission. During a disciplinary hearing in 2019 Mowatt was found guilty of professional misconduct as a result of his actions and was docked 30 hours of pay.
Officer charged with dangerous driving causing death and is later aquitted
Luimes was charged with dangerous driving causing death after his police vehicle collided with another car in 2012, killing the other driver. Luimes was acquitted in 2015.
Officer found innocent in two firearms charges after shooting at suspect
Vercammen wrote a letter to the editor in 1999 congratulating the RCMP on their investigation into an incident in Hythe. The letter included the line: "the only letters we will likely read for the next month will be from lawyers and police-haters complaining that the tricks and fibs shouldn't be used to catch criminals. Where have we heard this story before?" Vercammen was sued in 2006 for allegedly firing at a man during the course of an arrest.
letter to the editor; improper use of firearm; unreasonable arrest
Officer given conditional discharge for being convicted of assault against a suspect
Zheng was charged with assault and assault with weapon in 2008. In 2011 Zheng was convicted in provincial court for assaulting a handcuffed man in the back of a police vehicle, and was found not guilty for the assault with weapon charge. In a 2011 Disciplinary Hearing, Zheng was found to have committed Discreditable Conduct contrary to the Police Service Regulation due to his criminal assault conviction.
Officer strikes intoxicated man causing extensive injuries
Briegel was charged with aggravated assault & pleaded guilty in 2016 to assault causing bodily harm due to an on-duty incident occuring in 2014 that was investigated by ASIRT. Briegel was subject to Professional Standards Board investigation over allegations of Unnecessary Exercise of Authority, Deceit, Discreditable Conduct, and Neglect of Duty related to the 2014 on-duty incident. He was docked $2,890 in pay and given a conditional discharge.
ASIRT; aggravated assault; abuse of authority; discreditable conduct; neglect of duty; deceit
Complainant calls 911 for ailing mother, complains of misconduct, unlawful arrest and being called an attention seeking "loser"
In an LERB investigation, Hrycun and Zielie were alleged to have arrested an individual without legal authority or justification in a manner contrary to the Police Service Regulation during an on-duty incident in 2008. The individual had called 911 because of a concern regarding her mother's health. The 911 call was cut off mid-call, prompting the officers to respond; they then detained the individual under the Mental Health Act. The LERB dismissed the matter.
Constable charged with improper handling of physical abuse complaint, cleared of charges.
In 2004, the LERB affirmed the Chief of EPSÕs decision to clear Toner of allegations of police misconduct concerning charges placed in 2000.
Improper handling of a physical violence complaint
Law Enforcement Review Board; cleared of charges
Appealant claims that excessive force was used, claim was dismissed
A 2020 LERB decision found that accusations of pointing a firearm and producing inaccurate notes and/or reports against Verbitsky for a 2015 traffic stop were unfounded.
pointing a firearm; inaccurate information; traffic stop
Officer with history of multiple sexual violence charges and allegations
Yakabuski faced sexual assault charges in 1994 for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in 1992 while on duty. He was relegated to desk duty. The charges were later withdrawn. In 2011, the EPS contacted the former sex worker regarding similar sexual allegations made against Yakabuski by other women. In 2016, a former sex worker sued Yakabuski for the alleged sexual assault. The application to dismiss the claim was then adjourned to see if Bill 2, ÒAn Act to Remove Barriers for Survivors of Sexual and Domestic ViolenceÓ, would pass and remove any limitation for claims relating to sexual assault. Despite all of the previous press coverage of Yakabuski's alleged assaults, he was awarded a Police Exemplary Service Medal by Governor General Micha‘lle Jean in 2009.
Man mistaken for suspect alleges excessive force
Wedman was accused of excessive force, neglect of duty, and abuse of authority during a 2013 mistaken arrest. A 2014 LERB decision found that there was no reasonable prospect of obtaining a conviction against the officer for his actions.
excessive force; neglect of duty; abuse of authority
Officers sued for Charter violations including unlawful entry, unlawful arrest, unlawful detainment, and unlawful search
A number of EPS officers were sued in civil court for alleged Charter right breaches during an on-duty incident in 2003.
Physical Violence; Discriminatory language
Tom Bechthold; Maurice Brodeur; David Goodkey; Glen Mahura; Kevin Yaremchuk; Christa Pennie; Colin Simpson; Anthony Stiles; Malcolm Allan; Robin Jorritsma; Garet Bonn
Law Enforcement Review Board; civil suit; disciplinary hearing
Officer was sued for Charter Rights breaches, excessive force, and arbitrary and malicious punishment
Wagner was sued in 2016 regarding allegations of Charter Rights breaches, excessive force, and arbitrary and malicious punishment.
Charter; excessive force; arbitrary and malicious punishment
Man given "tap" on head by police constable during search
Carter was subject to a Disciplinary Hearing regarding a charge of unlawful exercise of authority during an on-duty incident in 2005. The charge was found to be unproven.
Officer denies using taser during arrest
Young was charged with deceit contrary to the Police Service Regulation for denying that he used a taser during an arrest. At a disciplinary hearing in 2007, the charge was found to be not proven.
conducted energy weapon (taser); unreasonable arrest
Officers use unreasonable force against an individual
Paton, Kightly, and Wing were found in a 2011 Queen's Bench decision to have violated an individualÕs section 7 Charter rights were violated by the actions of the police officers at the time of his arrest. Unreasonable force was used against the individual, including kicking him.
bodily harm; unlawful arrest; Charter; Edmonton Police Service
Downing was charged with Assault in 2015, stemming from an arrest he made in 2014.
Officers sued for excessive and unauthorized use of force and abusive, demeaning treatment of a woman and her young child
A number of EPS officers were sued in civil court for allegations of multiple Charter breaches and flagrant abuse of authority during an on-duty incident occurring in 2005.
Physical Violence; Discriminatory Language; Withholding aid
Officers neglect to identify people at scene, neglect to take proper notes, and make false statement. Subjects complain of violence against them
Faulkner and Toy were subject to an EPS investigation and charged with two counts of neglect of duty and one count of deceit regarding an on-duty incident occurring in 2005. They were both suspended without pay for 30 hours as a result.
Edmonton Police Service; neglect of duty; deceit; on-duty; obstruction of justice; mischief; discreditable conduct
investigation; disciplinary hearing; suspended without pay
Officer fails to seek medical attention for wounded teen
Two officers had charges of Insubordination and Neglect of Duty dropped against them in a 2006 Disciplinary Hearing.
Officer allegedly orders and blocks subject from recording a violent arrest
Zielie (Turkawski) allegedly ordered and blocked a person from taking photographs of a violent arrest during the 2006 Stanley Cup playoffs celebrations. A 2010 LERB decision directed the Chief to re-investigate the complaint and whether Zielie was the officer involved. A 2014 LERB decision directed the Chief to hold a disciplinary hearing against Zielie (Turkawski) on charges of unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority, and discreditable conduct. The charges were later dismissed after a hearing by the Presiding Officer held that neither count could be proven. A subsequent appeal by the complainant was dismissed on the basis that the Presiding OfficerÕs decision was reasonable.
Law Enforcement Review Board; disciplinary hearing; dismissed
Officer charged with assault for hitting a civilian with a closed fist during an arrest
Zielie was charged with one count of assault in 2008 for hitting a civilian with a closed fist during an arrest.
Officers charged with unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority for application of inappropriate force
Hrycun and Lewis were charged with unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority contrary to the Police Service Regulation for a 2011 incident involving the application of inappropriate force during an arrest at Big Valley Jamboree. In a disciplinary hearing, the charges were not proven.
charged, disciplinary hearing, dismissed
Victim was unlawfully detained by officer found to be influenced by personal motives
In a 2015 LERB decision, Woodburn was found to have committed unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority and discreditable conduct during a 2011 incident. In a Disciplinary Hearing from 2017 for the same incident, Woodburn was found to have committed Unlawful or Unnecessary Exercise of Authority by unlawfully detaining and arresting an individual and Discreditable Conduct by arresting an individual for a personal motive related to previous interactions with that individual.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-police-officer-unlawfully-exercised-authority-during-arrest-disciplinary-hearing-1.3943737 , https://edmontonsun.com/2016/12/16/bad-blood-between-police-officer-and-criminal-lawyer-plays-out-in-disciplinary-hearing
Unnecessary Exercise of Authority; discreditable conduct; drunk driving
Law Enforcement Review Board; disciplinary hearing; suspended without pay
Officer charged with beating a man in his custody
Thomas was charged with beating a man in his custody in 2003. A 2007 Disciplinary Hearing dismissed those charges. Thomas received a reprimand for one count of insubordination for failing to provide medical attention.
Former RCMP arrested, left in cold before being choked, repeatedly assaulted by EPS
A number of EPS officers were sued in civil court for allegations of multiple Charter breaches regarding an on-duty incident occurring in 2007.
Physical violence; psychological harm; disregard of dignity
Officer breaks into former matrimonial home
Saunders was found guilty of Discreditable Conduct in a 2015 Disciplinary Hearing contrary to Police Service Regulation for breaking into and removing property from his former matrimonial home and contravening a Court of QueenÕs Bench Order. He was suspended for 30 hours without pay.
discreditable conduct; break and enter; domestic abuse; theft
Man detained and strip searched for drunk driving, alleges police made false statements
Four EPS officers were subject to allegations of Unlawful Exercise of Authority during an on-duty incident in 2001, which resulted in the full acquittal of a man. The officers were also sued by the man in civil court.
Psychological harm; disregard of dignity
abuse of authority; on-duty; Edmonton Police Service; misconduct; Charter; excessive force
Huffman was charged with assault in 2009, stemming from an arrest in 2008.
Man assaulted by police during arrest, officer charged
Awid was charged with assault in 2021 following an ASIRT investigation, after it is alleged that Awid used force against a man following a 2019 arrest.
Officers suspended after allegations of excessive force and neglect of duty
Amschler and Bombier were subject to a Disciplinary Hearing following a 2009 LERB hearing and charged in 2009 under the Police Act with Applying Inappropriate Force in the Circumstances, Discreditable Conduct and Neglect of Duty in regards to an on-duty incident occurring in 2004. Amschler and Bombier were both suspended without pay for 10 hours as a result.
excessive force; neglect of duty; Police Act
Law Enforcement Review Board; disciplinary hearing; criminal charge; suspension; without pay
Arrestee was told by offer to clean up his urine with a sock after requesting for a mop
Jennett was issued an official warning for her conduct by the Chief of Police for telling an arrestee who had been placed in the phone room to clean up their urine with a sock when he requested a mop, the LERB outlined.
Disregard of dignity; Psychological harm
Law Enforcement Review Board; official warning
Off duty officer involved in night club brawl had attempted to use police badge to settle dispute
In 2015, Vezina was charged with three counts of assault for an off-duty drunken brawl at a nightclub in 2014. The judge called the incident "troublesome" because Vezina used his police badge to try and deal with the matter. He was given a conditional discharge with six months of probation after pleading guilty to assault and causing a disturbance. He resigned before pleading guilty.
assault; causing a disturbance; egregious police conduct
resigned; guilty plea; conditional discharge; probation
Man was choked after refusing to remove penny from mouth during breathalyzer test at traffic stop
Gascoyne was alleged to have breached Charter rights of a man by using unreasonable force during a check-stop detention. The man had a penny in his mouth while using the breathalyzer, and Gascoyne choked him in an attempt to force him to spit it out. The Court of Queen's Bench held that the use of force was reasonable and dismissed the appeal.
Charter; on-duty; excessive force; traffic stop; impaired driving
Complaint against two officers for excessive force on married couple dismissed by Chief without any disciplinary hearing
Tagg and another officer of the EPS received a complaint alleging excessive force in the 2006 arrest of a man and his wife. The complaint was dismissed by the Chief of the EPS without a disciplinary hearing. This decision was successfully appealed to the LERB in 2010, which directed the Chief to further investigate the complaint. In 2013, the Chief dismissed the complaint, one of the reasons being insufficient evidence to establish the facts necessary to obtain a conviction. This decision was appealed to the LERB in 2014, which dismissed the appeal relating to the decision regarding Tagg. The LERB found that TaggÕs conduct was not unreasonable in the circumstances. Tagg was also sued in civil court for the allegations.
Officer carelessly aims and discharges firearm in residential neighbourhood
Vercammen was charged with two firearms offences in connection with a 2004 incident, where he discharged his firearm in a residential neighbourhood in the middle of the day. Vercammen was acquitted by a jury on one charge of carelessly using a firearm and one of pointing a firearm, and returned to work in 2006.
pointing a firearm; careless use of a firearm
Man assaulted by group of officers and alleges abuse was purposely taken place away from cameras
A group of EPS officers, including Jacobs, arrested the plaintiff and forced him violently to the ground, then made him wait in the cold for 30 minutes without a jacket. When brought back to the station by Jacobs, the plaintiff was assaulted, he alleged, and forced into a corner that would conceal the assault from the video camera in the police station.
unreasonable arrest; assault; destroying evidence; cover up
EPS Officer along with 3 Community Peace Officers charged with assault
Cave, along three Community Peace Officers, were charged with assault in 2020 following an investigation into a 2018 incident involving a detained prisoner. As of 2020, Cave was on active duty in an administrative role.
Officer leaves loaded gun in unlocked locker and accessible to public at the Zebra Child Protection Centre on multiple occasions
Najmeddine was subject to a Disciplinary Hearing in 2014 regarding two counts of Insubordination and one count of Discreditable Conduct, after leaving his loaded gun in an unlocked locker in a room accessible to civilians at the Zebra Child Protection Centre on multiple occasions. One count of Insubordination was stayed, and Najmeddine was suspended without pay for 40 and 20 hours respectively on the other two charges.
Man assaulted and repeatedly arrested by the same officer
Najmeddine was subject to a 2007 LERB hearing regarding allegations of Insubordination, Unnecessary Exercise of Authority and Deceit. The Board remitted two allegations back to the Chief of Police for a Disciplinary Hearing.
Individual tased and has his demeanour mischaracterized in a police report
Paesch was found guilty of Insubordination and Discreditable Conduct in a 2015 Disciplinary Hearing for not informing his superior officers that he had deployed his taser against a suspect and for mischaracterizing the suspect's behaviour in his report.
insubordination; discreditable conduct; conducted energy weapon (taser)
Individual assaulted by Constable, another officer found guilty of aiding and abetting
Rogers' appeal was dismissed after an LERB hearing. He was found to have abetted another Constable in assaulting an individual in 2013.
Physical violence; Disregard of Dignity; Psychological harm
Man alleges he was handcuffed to police car bumper, dragged, and humiliated after attempting to joke with officer
A number of EPS officers were sued in court in regarding breached Charter Rights and other counts of misconduct occurring during an on-duty incident in 2012.
Man alleges officer tased him and held him to the ground with officer's boot on his neck
Scott was sued civilly by an individual who alleged that Scott delivered several taser stuns to his head and body and was held to ground with ScottÕs boot on his neck in 2005.
Man allegedly tased, kicked, punched and strip searched by multiple officers
A number of EPS officers were named in a civil suit in 2008 regarding allegations of assault and Charter Rights infringement during an on-duty incident.
Najmeddine; Kirtio; Fox; Crosby; McLeod; Wasylyshen; Shouchuk; Plomp
Charter; on-duty; assault; excessive force
In a 2019 disciplinary hearing, Szawlowski was found guilty of insubordination for failing to stop at a red light and was given a reprimand. A 2020 LERB decision allowed Szawlowski's appeal, stating that the decision was unreasonable.
Law Enforcement Review Board; appeal; guilty
Man dragged, struck and kicked by officers
Three EPS officers were subject to complaints of allegations of obstruction of justice and allegations of Infringement of Charter Rights due to an on-duty incident occurring in 2006.
PSB; on-duty; assault; abuse of authority; obstruction of justice; Charter
Officer still on active duty after being charged with assault
Adsett was charged with assault and excessive force in 2016, regarding an alleged on-duty incident that occured in 2013.
Indigenous man arrested without being informed why
Pagnucco was found in a 2018 Court of Queen's Bench ruling to have breached the Charter Rights of an Indigenous man in 2015, by failing to inform him of the reasons for his arrest.
Driver and passenger yelled at by frustrated officer
Brownell pleaded guilty to a charge of Discreditable Conduct during a Disciplinary Hearing in 2007 regarding an incident in 2006. He received a 15 hour suspension without pay.
Charter; abuse of authority; discreditable conduct; assault; insubordination
Man alleges he was elbowed to the point of unconsciousness, awoke in holding cell with officer kneeling on head
In a 2018 LERB decision, Szawlowski was found not guilty of abusing his authority during a 2013 arrest.
Man suffers from temple injury after a head stun during arrest
A number of EPS officers were subject to a 2012 LERB hearing regarding allegations of excessive force during an on-duty incident occurring in 2008. The LERB dismissed the appeal.
Off duty officer driving under the influence assaults arresting officer
Dreger was subject to a 2019 disciplinary hearing for three counts of misconduct, and found to have committed two counts of discreditable conduct during an off-duty incident in 2018, where she was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and assaulting the arresting RCMP officer. Dreger pleaded guilty in Provincial Court and was suspended for 40 hours without pay.
misconduct; discreditable conduct; off-duty; arrested; drunk driving
Driver pushed and shoved by police officer when attempting to get out of his car to clear snow from his license plate at a traffic stop
Niehaus was issued a reprimand in a disciplinary hearing in 2011 for having failed to fully record details in a traffic stop. The stop was investigated because a complaint was made against Niehaus for pushing one of the drivers involved in the traffic stop as he attempted to exit the vehicle. Niehaus was not found to have abused his power in pushing the driver.
traffic stop; complaint; failure to perform police duties
Officer guilty of unnecessary exercising authority after pepper spraying individual during traffic stop
Smith was found guilty of unnecessarily exercising authority after a 2009 traffic stop ended in the use of pepper spray and an arrest. Smith was suspended for 10 hours without pay. In 2013 the LERB upheld the penalty.
Unnecessary Exercise of Authority; pepper spray
guilty; suspended without pay; Law Enforcement Review Board
Chief of police finds officers were reasonable in use of force after allegations of unnecessary excercise of authority
Druar and Koshowski were subject to a 2014 LERB hearing regarding allegations of unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority during an on-duty incident occurring in 2009. The hearing found that the Chief of Police was reasonable in not finding reasonable prospect of obtaining a conviction at a disciplinary hearing into the allegation of unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority.
Military vet taunted, pinned to ground, tased, kicked by group of officers during arrest
A number of EPS officers were sued for allegations of use of force during an on-duty incident occurring in 2005.
Physical violence; Arrest; Psychological harm; Disregard of Dignity; Harassment
Fradley was subject to disciplinary hearing and criminal charges, pleading guilty of being unfit for duty and two counts of discreditable conduct for showing up to work under the impairment of alcohol, and crashing her vehicle into a snowbank while off-duty in 2014. She was suspended without pay for 200 hours.
discreditable conduct; on-duty; drunk driving
disciplinary hearing; guilty; unfit for duty
Man allegedly kicked in the ribs while in handcuffs and lying on the ground
Faulkner and Alkarout were subject to an EPS investigation and charged with unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority, discreditable conduct, insubordination and deceit respectively due to an on-duty incident occurring in 2004. At a disciplinary hearing, the counts against Alkarout were not proven, and Faulkner was suspended without pay for 25 hours.
Edmonton Police Service; neglect of duty; deceit; on-duty; obstruction of justice; mischief; aggravated assault; discreditable conduct
Young man suffers mouth injuries after being thrown to ground by police officer
Cochlin and Donald were subject to an LERB hearing regarding allegations of Deceit, Discreditable Conduct and Unlawful or Unecessary Exercise of Authority related to during an on-duty incident occuring in 2002. The Board referred the matter back to the Chief and Cochlin was found guilty of Excessive Force and handed a reprimand during a Disciplinary Hearing.
Charter; excessive force; discreditable conduct; abuse of authority; deceit
Law Enforcement Review Board; disciplinary hearing; investigation
Victim of domestic abuse seeking assistance from community police station assaulted by officers
Tabaka was sued in civil court, along with several other officers, in 2011 for alleged excessive use of force, assault, malicious prosecution, unlawful arrest, and Charter breaches associated with the aforementioned allegations.
excessive force; assault; malicious prosecution; unlawful arrest; Charter
Constable driving under the influence found passed out at the wheel
Chambers was fined $800 and given a one year driving prohibition after he pleaded guilty in 2005 to being in control over a motor vehicle while intoxicated in 2004.
neglect of duty; discreditable conduct; off-duty
Suspect bit by police dog after being released by officer who never noted the incident in report
Thursby was subject to a disciplinary hearing and was charged with deceit and unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority in connection to the handling of his service dog during a 2010 arrest. In 2014, he plead guilty to deceit for an untruthful account of the incident, and as part of his plea deal, the second charge was dismissed.
deceit; police service dog; Unnecessary Exercise of Authority
In 2007, Zalaski was found to have accosted an individual with no lawful authority to arrest him, and used an excessive amount of force after tasering the man. Zalaski was found convicted of assault with a weapon. Zalaski made comments on a CHED radio show in 2010 about sexual assault, that he later apologized for. Zalaski said, "If you are going to go out drinking and you're are going to get involved in that environment where you know there are a lot of predators, you know there's a lot of people out there, you are dressing in a certain manners and dancing a certain ways, you are creating opportunity shall I say... there is consequences, not saying anyone deserves to be victimized, but the fact is you have to mitigate how you become a victim." A number of EPS officers were accused of malicious prosecution and unlawful assault following an on-duty incident in 1998, and were sued in 2008 in relation to the incident, but the plaintiff's action was dismissed. The officers were also subject to review before the Law Enforcement Review Board.
unlawful arrest; conducted energy weapon (taser); weapon; assault; excessive force; harassment
Man alleges he was assaulted from behind during arrest despite following police orders
Franco and Vachon-Zee were subject to allegations of excessive force during an on-duty incident occurring in 2011. Both officers were later cleared.
Wife of police officer reports domestic violence abuse
West pleaded guilty in 2006 to careless storage of a firearm and was given a conditional discharge and one year of probation. In 2005, his wife called the police alleging she had been assaulted, but the charges of assault and breaching a no-contact order were withdrawn.
domestic violence; assault; careless storage of a firearm
probation; conditional discharge; withdrawn; guilty plea
Officer pleads guilty to driving on duty with alcoholic beverage
In 2011, Wallin pleaded guilty to Dangerous Driving contrary to the Criminal Code, and to having an open alcoholic beverage in the vehicle. Based on these convictions, Wallin was found guilty of Discreditable Conduct contrary to the Police Service Regulation.
dangerous driving; discreditable conduct
Man alleges police dog released before he was given a chance to comply with any orders
Bellerose and his Police Service Dog were involved in a 2008 Queen's Bench ruling regarding excessive use of force during an arrest. The judge determined that the actions of Bellerose and his PSD were not excessive.
Individual struck by police officer while handcuffed in the back of a vehicle
Quaidoo struck an individual handcuffed in the back of the police vehicle in 2008. During a disciplinary hearing, the presiding officer found that the individualÕs Charter rights were violated and that Quaidoo had embellished his testimony to create a false narrative to justify his actions. Quaidoo was fired from the Edmonton Police Service, and a 2014 LERB hearing dismissed his appeal to have the dismissal overturned.
Charter; lying; bodily harm; excessive force; inaccurate testimony; threat; youth
Man alleges officer did not disclose reason for an arrest
Cichon was an appellant in a 2014 LERB hearing, after he complained that two EPS officers who arrested him for allegations of domestic violence did not conduct a proper investigation of the allegations. The complaint and the LERB appeal were both dismissed.
discreditable conduct; off-duty; on-duty; assault; misconduct; neglect of duty; insubordination; abuse of authority
***Man allegedly punched in face and arrested after refusing to comply with officer's request for identification
Dzioba was criminally charged with Assault during an on-duty incident occurring in 2002, and was acquitted in 2004. Three EPS officers were sued in civil court regarding allegations of Charter Rights Infringement and other counts of misconduct during an on-duty incident occurring in 2005. Hudec unlawfully tasered a 15 year old accused of breaking and entering, following a strip search in 2006. While the Court held that the arrest and strip search were justified, the Court held that Hudec’s actions were a “shocking abuse of police powers”, and that his use of the taser violated the Accused's s7 right to security of person and s12 right against cruel and unusual punishment. The Court deemed the use of the taser "police misconduct so egregious... that going forward with prosecution would be offensive." A stay of prosecution was granted. In a statement of claim filed in 2008, Hudec and two other officers were alleged to have engaged in a vicious assault, including the use of a taser, upon a plaintiff after the plaintiff was ordered to exit a vehicle at gunpoint. The Plaintiff also alleged that he was unlawfully detained, searched, and charged with offences, which were later withdrawn. Dzioba retired and turned in his badge prior to a 2012 disciplinary hearing regarding allegations of unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority and deceit occuring during an incident in 2009. In a 2011 criminal case, Hudec was found to have breached the Accused's Charter Rights under s10(b) by failing to provide the Accused with information about duty counsel and legal aid systems, as well as failure to issue a Prosper warning. In the same 2008 incident, Hudec was also found to have breached the Accused's s9 rights by detaining him arbitrarily and arresting him unlawfully.
Indigenous woman wrongfully arrested during wellness check, officer pleads guilty to neglect of duty
During a wellness check initiated by the victim's father, Arlene Sams was wrongfully arrested and charged after Constable David Olsson claimed that Sams operated a motorized vehicle while intoxicated. In a 2016 hearing, Constable Olsson plead guilty to neglect of duty and admitted that he had not seen Sams operate the vehicle, nor had he investigated the claims that the victim did not have access to the vehicle keys. Olsson was given a demotion and an 80-hour suspension without pay. At the request of the victim, Olsson will participate in a reconciliation process through a healing circle with Sams. Sams is trying to heal from the stigma of being wrongfully accused.
Sams was on medical leave at the time of the wrongful arrest
In the matter of a complaint and disciplinary proceedings against Regimental Number 3443 Cst. David Olsson of the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) M.A. Binder- Retired Court of Queen's Bench Justice Presiding Officer
APMD original incident ID: i-vdVkJzrRs2xvrT
ASIRT investigating a fatal shooting of a man by EPS
Around 11:15pm on 03/12/2022 , EPS was called to Pleasantview, near 109th Street and 53rd Avenue, regarding a man who had 24 outstanding provincial warrants, as well as a Canada-wide warrant. The EPS Tactical team was called for the arrest. The man was surveilled in a moving vehicle with 2 female passengers and once they arrived at a building near 105 St and 38 Ave and the women were out of the car, the tactical team went in. A confrontation occurred and shots were fired, it is unclear how many officers fired. Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) was on the scene and attended to him but the man died from his injuries. The name has not been released. ASIRT is now investigating the shooting. The archive team notes that the ASIRT report shows a photo of a 'weapon' found inside the victim's vehicle (see media attachment). Unless it has been modified, this is a paintball gun.
ASIRT Investigation Opened March 13, 2022
Police shoot, kill man during a traffic stop after impaired driving complaints
At 1 PM on March 9, 2017, Edmonton Police received two 911 calls about an erratic driver. One of the callers followed the offending vehicle they had called about-a blue van- off the Whitemud into a cul-de-sac at Hollands Landing where it came to a halt. By 1:30 Constable Ian Wood-a veteran of six years - was dispatched to the neighbourhood and upon arrival pulled his car in front of a blue Pontiac van and demanded the driver stay in his vehicle. The driver- fifty-five-year-old Vitaly Savin- instead exited the van and according to Wood was swaying back and forth and insisted that he was not drunk after Wood stated that he was (a later test found that his blood-alcohol content was three and a half times the legal limit). Wood then grabbed Savin’s left arm intending to arrest him for impaired driving, but withdrew, stood back, and radioed for other officers to respond when he saw Savin rummaging for something in the van with his right. Wood then ordered Savin to show his hands but instead Savin drew a hunting knife from his car and charged Wood who turned, ran several meters down the icy road, slipped and fell on his back. According to Wood, he shouted at the man to drop his knife, but Savin attempted to stab him. Wood was able to kick Savin away far enough for the constable to draw and shoot his pistol four times, killing the man. Aman Jaggi, the only known witness heard “muttering,” then shouting and then four shots being fired “seconds” afterward. He went outside to talk to Wood who told him that he had pulled Savin over, that he came at him with a hunting life, slipped and “had to shoot him.” Jaggi then filmed other officers who had then arrived who were attempting to resuscitate Savin. A subsequent ASIRT investigation determined Cst. Wood's actions were justified. Savin was a dual citizen of Russia and Canada, and the Russian consulate requested ASIRT investigate whether "Russian racism" was a factor in the shooting. The ASIRT investigation concluded that Savin's background was not a factor in the incident.
ASIRT Investigation determined actions were justified
Public Fatality Inquiry Concluded Mar 8, 2021
EPS officer on probation after assaulting a man and leaving him in the river valley
On December 11, 2017, Const. Matthew O’Mara and his partner ordered Craig Jephtas-Crail to leave the Jasper Avenue and 104 Street 7-Eleven where he had been sleeping to stay warm. Once Jephtas-Crail was down on the sidewalk outside, O'Mara delivered two punches to his head, one of them was after he was already in handcuffs. After the arrest for trespassing and public intoxication, the two officers put Craig Jephtas-Crail into the police car, drove him to the river valley and left him there. The vehicle’s GPS system was switched off during the drive. In a victim impact statement, Jephtas-Crail said: “as a person with a disability and already facing barriers, it left me feeling as though I was worth next to nothing.” A report from a psychologist states that at the time of the arrest O’Mara was suffering from “florid PTSD symptoms” related to his military service in Afghanistan. Because of his prior experience, O'Mara was let into the EPS through the experienced officer training program, an accelerated, eight-week training course. Other officers typically undergo 27 weeks of training. He had no prior patrol experience before being assigned downtown. During the sentencing, his mental state was taken into account as the court was considering imprisonment. Provincial court Judge D’Arcy DePoe sentenced Const. Matthew O’Mara to 18 months probation for his assault of Craig Jephtas-Crail, stating that during the arrest officer O’Mara failed to follow at least seven EPS policies for dealing with injured arrestees, including assessing Jephtas-Crail for injuries, announcing the use of force over the radio and completing a written report about the arrest. O’Mara has been relieved from duty without pay and will be required to report to a probation officer, perform 100 hours of community service and attend counselling.
Unspecified details of injuries from the punches, eyewitness saw blood on the sidewalk
A formal Professional Standards Branch investigation was opened February 6, 2018. An assault charge was laid in March 2019 following an investigation by the EPS Professional Standards Branch, which was reviewed by Alberta Justice
Const. Matthew O’Mara’s sentencing hearing was set for March 13, 2020 and he was convicted of one count of assault and sentenced to probation without pay.
Provincial Court, Const. O'Mara convicted on one count of assault
Between March 25th to 27th, 2017, Edmonton Police received a tip that Bradley Ladouceur, 35, was armed and “willing to use them against police officers.” At this point Ladouceur was on release for gun related charges with officers surveilling Ladouceur’s home observing him breaching his bail conditions on the 27th, however the police furthermore stated that there was a warrant out for his arrest, but no such warrant existed at the time. On the 28th these officers did a curfew check on his home but found that he was not there at the time. Two days later Ladouceur called the police telling them that he was willing to surrender after being informed that he was violating his bail and had a warrant against him. The police then told him that they would call him back and did so by 6 PM to which Ladouceur told the police that he wanted a lawyer and apparently became angry and hung up. He was then observed leaving his home carrying a black bag into his Chevy Impala and avoided the police by doing an illegal U-turn and ran a red light. The police patrolled the area and found the car, abandoned. At around 6:20 PM a plain clothes officer and member of the team surveilling Ladouceur found him walking at 128 Avenue and 52 Street, with a second officer arriving immediately after. The surveillance officer (reported to be in the police for four years) confronted Ladouceur and told him that he was under arrest. Ladouceur was unarmed, but according to the police reached into his pocket and took out his cellphone which the officer perceived as a gun and shot at Ladouceur, striking and injuring him. Ladouceur was transferred to the Royal Alexandra Hospital for his injuries with ASIRT opening up an investigation that day. Although he remained under 24/7 police guard, no charges were laid against him until April 28 2017, when several 2016 allegations were made against him. On March 19, 2020 ASIRT deemed the shooting justified.
ASIRT Investigation Closed Mar 19, 2020
ASIRT Investigation determined officer's actions justified.
On Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 11:09 p.m., members of the Edmonton Police Service came upon an altercation involving a man and a woman in the area of 106A Avenue and 96 Street in Edmonton. The officers grappled with the man, punching, kicking and kneeing him, and trying to get him in a choke hold. One officer pressed a conducted energy weapon against his lower right abdomen and discharged it for five seconds. He fell to the ground but broke off the weapon's probes and stood up. He tried to walk away towards the Mustard Seed Church. The same officer reloaded and fired again, hitting him in the back with a blast that continued for 28 seconds, until after the officers had got the man into handcuffs on the ground. Lying on his stomach, with his hands cuffed behind him, he continued to struggle. More police officers arrived. Emergency Medical Services was called to help removing the Taser darts from him. Face-down on the ground, he was turned slightly so he could breathe more easily. But his eyes began to flutter, he gasped and aspirated fluid. His breathing became rapid and shallow. He was then repositioned so that he was lying on his back, with his hands handcuffed in front of him. At that point he appeared to stop breathing all together. He was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital where he was declared brain dead and pronounced dead a week after the altercation with the police on October 30, with cause of death described as "Hypoxic/Ischemic Encephalopathy by the antecedent cause of excited delirium syndrome due to the underlying cause of methamphetamine toxicity" (Public Fatality Inquiry, 2016). A subsequent ASIRT investigation declined to recommend charges and found the officers' actions justified. A Public Fatality Inquiry recommended that "procedures for identifying and dealing with individuals exhibiting symptoms of excited delirium be set out in policies and procedures dealing with the police interaction with all individuals and not limited to those policies and procedures dealing with the use of force", and that police officers be trained to call for emergency medical assistance as soon as they identify that someone is experiencing excited delirium syndrome regardless of the need for police intervention (Public Fatality Inquiry, 2016).
ASIRT Investigation Opened, Oct 25, 2013
ASIRT Investigation Update, Oct 28, 2013
ASIRT Investigation Update II, Victim declared dead in hospital, Oct 31, 2013
Public Fatality Inquiry Conclusions, Sept 30, 2016
ASIRT Investigation Closed, June 25, 2014
Man shot and injured outside of Kingsway Garden Mall
Edmonton Police Service members responded to a 911 call concerning a disoriented, bleeding male who was in possession of a knife outside the Kingsway Garden Mall. Five or six police officers surrounded the man, who refused to obey their repeated orders to put down the knife and lie down on the ground. When the man refused to obey these orders and attempted to evade the police, he was pepper-sprayed several times. However, the witness says the man was not deterred by the spray and began charging at police. At this point, the witness said the police used a taser to try stop the man and this also did not work to stop him. It was at this point that one of the officers shot the man and he went down to the ground. The man was treated in hospital. An ASIRT investigation concluded with no criminal charges for the officers involved. The injured man faced several charges resulting from the incident, the outcome of which the Archive team was unable to locate.
ASIRT investigation determined officers justified
Charges laid against injured man, details unknown
Man killed by gunfire during struggle with police
On May 10, 2009, two police officers confronted Shawn Price and attempted to arrest him for an armed robbery that had occurred minutes before. Price pulled an object from his pocket and threw it on the ground - the object was a crack pipe, which according to some reports the police may have believed was a weapon, causing them to escalate and try to take Price into custody. Price resisted the officers' attempts to handcuff him, and as he wrestled with Constable Horchuk, the other officer Constable Gowin struck him with her baton several times. Price pulled at various elements of Cst Horchuk's uniform before placing his hand on the officer's holstered service pistol. Cst Horchuk yelled to Cst Gowin that Price was "going for my gun". Cst Gowin first shot Price in the back, and when the altercation continued, she shot him again in the chest. As Price and Cst Horchuk continued to struggle on the ground, she placed her foot on Price's head and prepared to fire again, at which time he stopped struggling. (Source: Public Fatality Inquiry). Price's girlfriend, who was a witness to the event, told media that police shot Price when he was already "under control" and on the ground, although another witness claimed Price was standing when he was shot. He was treated on the scene by emergency medical services personnel and taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead. The incident was investigated by ASIRT and was the subject of a Public Fatality Inquiry, both of which found the officers acted appropriately in the situation.
ASIRT Investigation opened 2009 Public Fatality Inquiry
ASIRT Investigation concluded February 24, 2010
Public Fatality Inquiry findings released April 29, 2014
PDF document describing citizens' rights when recording police violence in Canada
Recording the Police flier - digital image
A digital image for online distribution containing information about citizens' rights when recording the police.
Recording the Police: Your Rights when Recording Police in Canada As long as you aren't interfering with a uniformed police officer's duties, it is legal to film or photograph police If you're told to stop, ask if you are being detained - if not, you have the right to continue recording Officers cannot take or look through your phone unless you are being arrested and they have a warrant or reasonable grounds to do so Having a passcode on mobile devices can reduce unlawful searches Tips for filming police violence: Shoot steadily & continuously in landscape mode Maintain at least 2m distance if possible Capture details like faces, badges, & license plates of police involved Capture details of time and place, like street signs Before posting/sharing, crop or blur out faces to protect victims or protestors Consider your own and victim safety, and whether filming might escalate a situation
2 EPS officers charged with assault in relation to a Oct 2019 arrest
Two Edmonton Police Service officers have been charged with one count of assault each; the alleged assault occurred during an arrest on Oct 2, 2019. No details about the arrest were given. On Oct 22, 2020 a complaint was submitted to EPS and an investigation began that day. Const. Winter received an appearance notice on Nov. 18, 2021 and Const. Wynnyk on Nov 22, 2021. As of Nov. 19, 2021, the two officers are working "non-public facing positions with the EPS" and the allegations against them have not been tested in court (CTV News, Nov. 19, 2021).
EPS Professional Standards Branch. ASIRT did not investigate because this incident did not meet the "threshold for notification” under the Police Act (Global News, Nov 19, 2021).
Both officers received an appearance notice in Nov 2021.
The case was referred to Alberta Crown Prosecution Services in Calgary in June 2021 to determine if criminal charges were warranted. On Wednesday, Nov.17, 2021, prosecutors recommended both EPS members be charged with assault. As of Nov 19, 2021, the allegations have not been tested in court (Global News, November 19, 2021).
Edmonton police shoot and wound suicidal man armed with a pellet rifle
On the twenty-seventh of December 2015 just beforeat 3:52 AM a drunk fifty year old man called 911 informing the dispatcher that he was going to kill himself with a gun as well as that he wanted to commit suicide by cop. At 4:05 another man in the house told the dispatcher that the man had been drinking and that he only had a pellet rifle. Two police officers arrived shortly afterwards at the house at 149 Street near 85 Avenue in an unmarked police car with their sirens and lights blaring and the man walked outside pellet rifle in hand, threatening to shoot them. Taking cover behind their vehicle the two officers drew their weapons and demanded the man drop the gun or they would fire upon him. He disregarded their command and continued shouting at, and walking towards them whereupon the officers shot twice and hit the man in the leg a single time. The whole incident lasted about a minute. He was then taken to the hospital where he was treated for his wound.
ASIRT Investigation opened December 27, 2015
Investigation concluded officers acted appropriately.
ASIRT Investigation closed November 25, 2016
Multiple Edmonton Police shoot, kill man after traffic stop for outstanding warrants
On the twenty-sixth of December 2018 at 2:00 PM Buck Evans, his girlfriend Melissa Dumais and a friend were stopped in their truck by multiple police officers in at least four vehicles. Thirty-four year old Evans was wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation and had several warrants against him for other alleged crimes. Evans had been barred from owning a firearm since 2018 but was believed to be armed by the police and indeed was traveling with a SKS semi-automatic rifle at the time. After being stopped, the trio were ordered to exit the vehicle with Dumais and the other passenger complying but Evans in the back refusing. According to ASIRT after Evans refused to comply, he fired his weapon but according to Dumais Evans was not holding his rifle when she left with it being on the truck’s floor instead. Video filmed by a witness in a nearby apartment does not confirm if he did use his rifle. While blurry and taken from a distance, it shows about four police officers facing the truck demanding Evans exit it. One officer fires a shotgun and eight seconds later, after further demands for Evans to exit unleash a volley of gunfire. There is then a pause with further shots being fired with a total of about thirty being fired. Several bullets hit the neighbouring apartment buildings with at least one passing through into a bedroom. It is unclear whether Evans fired his weapon during this time and he was pronounced dead at the hospital. Evans' girlfriend believed the police response constituted use of excessive force. An ASIRT investigation is ongoing.
Racist images posted in canine unit locker room
A pair of images were posted in the canine unit locker room containing racist caricatures of Black and Indigenous people. One shows what appears to be a minstrel-show-style Zulu warrior in front of a cutout of a police dog, below the words “Buddy’s First Get em! Get em!” Another image features the cover of the children’s book The Indian in the Cupboard, with the titular character saying “Beny will never find me in here!!” After an investigation by EPS' Professional Standards Branch, the officers involved were directed to undergo a 'restorative justice' process with members of Edmonton's Black and Indigenous communities, the details of which are unspecified in media reporting.
Edmonton police Professional Standards Branch
“Edmonton police officers who posted racist images in the canine unit locker room will undergo a “restorative justice” process with members of Edmonton’s Black and Indigenous communities.” Members of affected communities requested meetings with Police Chief Dale McFee about the incidents but he was 'unavailable' (Edmonton Journal, August 28, 2020).
Edmonton Police beat Indigenous man after being stopped because he had no bell on his bike
On August 27, 2019, EPS Constable Curtis McCargar stopped Elliot McLeod -an Indigenous man- either giving no reason as to why (according to McLeod) or because he did not have a bell on his bicycle (according to McCargar). McLeod gave a false name to the officer and either immediately rode off or did so as McCargar entered the name in his cruiser’s computer. McCargar then pursued McLeod in his vehicle while radioing for assistance. After catching up, McCargar tackled McLeod and proceeded to punch him in the back of the head several times. By this point Constable Michael Partington had arrived by vehicle and immediately delivered a diving knee strike between McLeod's shoulder blades causing McLeod to scream in pain telling the officers to stop. At no point during this, according to McLeod, eyewitness testimony, and video evidence was he resisting. The two officers then handcuff McLeod and drag him into a police cruiser. McLeod was charged with four offences, including resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer. Police were sent a video of the incident filmed by a bystander, but withheld it from prosecutors for four months following the incident. When the video was disclosed, the charges against McLeod were stayed, and Constable Partington charged and convicted for assault. Cst. Partington was relieved from duty without pay on the day of the arrest, a decision which he appealed for judicial review by the Court of Queen's Bench. His application was dismissed by a judge in 2021.
Yes, Natasha Wright submitted a complaint along with video evidence that her friend filmed on August 28th 2019. EPS professional standards branch did not submit the video to Crown Prosectuers until December of that year. After prosecution was made aware of the video McLeod's charges were dropped and Partington was charged by the Crown with assault.
Convicted of assault: fined $2,000 Suspended without pay
Partington v Edmonton Police Service, 2021 ABQB 387 (CanLII)
Edmonton Police sued after officer allegedly kicks Indigenous youth in the head
At about 4:15 a.m. officers responded to a trouble not known call at a home in the area of 62 Avenue and 178 Street with reports that a fight involving a weapon was taking place inside. During the search, police asked Pacey Dumas and his brother Blair, who is a year older, to step outside. Both complied. Blair was placed in handcuffs, while Pacey was ordered laid face down on the sidewalk with his hands out. “Suddenly and without warning (Todd; the officer) moved swiftly to Pacey and while in motion kicked Pacey in the right side of his head with such force Pacey was immediately rendered unconscious and bleeding,” After the alleged assault, Pacey was “dragged” by two unknown officers to a spot two houses away. It claims none of the officers who attended the scene gave Pacey medical attention.
Mental health (PTSD, Depression, Anxiety)
ASIRT Investigation opened December 9, 2020
As of November 2021, investigation still ongoing. Officer still employed “but is not currently in front line patrol.”
Lawsuits filed by victim, victim's brother, and victim's mother in November 2021, no trial dates set.
Around 2pm on January 16, 2010, 911 dispatch received a call from Bernadette Auger (48) over a dispute she was having with her adult sons, requesting police presence, but partway into the call Ms. Auger's common-law partner, George Coward, told the dispatcher that Ms. Auger was drunk, and not to send officers, then hung up the phone. Dispatch called the number back and informed Mr. Coward that police were en route. When the two dispatched officers arrived at the walk-up apartment at 119th Avenue and 84th Street, they went inside, where they encountered Ms. Auger on a stair landing, holding what appeared to be a gun (but was later determined to be a toy Airsoft gun painted black). Ms. Auger pointed the "gun" at the officers and followed them down the stairs and outside as they retreated from the building, but went back inside after the officers crouched behind a vehicle to call for assistance. While inside, Ms. Auger called 911 again, and had a conversation with the operator in which she asked to speak to the police outside, apologized, and indicated she had a gun. She then went back outside, where there were now at least 5 police officers including a Dog Master with a police dog. When she came outside, the Dog Master Detective Kassian determined she was not a serious threat and stood from cover to release the dog. Ms. Auger saw him stand up and raised the "gun" in his direction. While the officers called for Ms. Auger to drop the gun, the police dog "got confused" (per the provincial fatality inquiry) and bit another police officer on the leg. In the Fatality Inquiry, the possible reasons given for the dog's confusion were that Ms. Auger was not moving, which is not the scenario police dogs are trained for, and that Ms. Auger was wearing a white t-shirt against the backdrop of snow, so the dog was unable to focus on her. Immediately after Ms. Auger raised the "gun", Detective Kassian raised his own service weapon and shot her in the head. Another officer stationed across the road, Constable Bondarchuk, shot Ms. Auger in the neck simultaneously. Ms. Auger was killed instantly, with both shots occurring near simultaneously. A third and fourth officer attempted to fire on Ms. Auger at the same time but were interrupted by the police dog attack. In the following investigation, it was determined that Ms. Auger was taking several prescription medications for chronic pain and other issues that, combined with alcohol, produced a sedative effect that likely altered her behaviour. Per the Fatality Inquiry, "Mr. Coward, in his interview with the police, believed that Ms. Auger was attempting to commit suicide by forcing the police to shoot her. This opinion is supported by the fact that she had tried to commit suicide in the past, she was under chronic pain due to injuries suffered in the car accident six years before, she sent him away after calling 911 and after knowing that the police were on the way, she knew the toy gun she carried could be confused for a real firearm, she met the police in the stairwell and pointed the gun at the officers, she pursued them down the stairwell, she pursued the officers out of the building, when she couldn’t see them, she called 911 and asked the operator to send the police to her suite, she then pursued the police out of the building again, raising the gun directly at Detective Kassian from a distance of seven meters" (Report to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General Public Fatality Inquiry, January 30, 2013). ASIRT was directed to investigate the incident and in September 2010 issued a finding that the officers acted lawfully and their actions were justified. The decision of the Public Fatality Inquiry held in 2012 was that "In this case, there was nothing that the police could have done differently when faced with these events. Accordingly, there are no recommendations to make for the prevention of similar deaths." Ms. Auger suffered from serious chronic pain and brain damage from a car accident six years before the incident, which were cited as relevant factors in the course of events. Per ASIRT director Clifton Purvis' comment on their findings, police dogs becoming confused and attacking officers is not uncommon in heated situations (Edmonton Journal, Sept 16, 2010).
ASIRT Investigation Report, Sept 15, 2010
Report to the Attorney General - Public inquiry into the death of Bernadette Auger
Force deemed reasonable by ASIRT investigation and Public Fatality Inquiry.
Innocent man in nearby apartment dead after Edmonton police shoot and kill armed robbery suspect
Police were called to an armed robbery in the area of 1133 st and 104 ave at approximately 6:25pm. The 36-year-old man fled the liquor store and was found near 105 st and 107 ave at approximately 7:01pm. A confrontation occurred and police discharged their firearms, fatally wounding the man who was declared dead on the scene. A 59-year-old man in the basement suite behind the first victim was also hit by police fire, and was located some time after the shooting. Emergency first aid was provided and he was rushed to hospital by paramedics but died from his injuries. Later investigation of the scene determined that the 36-year-old victim had an imitation firearm. An ASIRT investigation has been opened, and the officers involved taken off active duty. The Archive team will update as this case progresses.
ASIRT Investigation Release, Feb 25, 2022
Tweet from City News journalist Carly Robinson, video statement by EPS Chief Dale McFee, February 24, 2022
Edmonton police officer charged with distribution of an intimate image
Const. Samuel Sanson is charged with one count of distribution of an intimate image in relation to an incident that occurred in September. The charge stems from a non-work related incident that reportedly took place in Edmonton in September 2018. The charges follow an in-depth investigation by the EPS Professional Standards Branch which was subsequently reviewed by Alberta Justice. As of 2019 Sanson was reportedly on leave.
Investigation by the EPS Professional Standards Branch, which was then reviewed by Alberta Justice
Before courts (last update Feb 7 2022), File/docket 2021-08(N) 210185906P1
Edmonton police were called at 11:05 pm on June 6, 2021 regarding a weapons complaint outside of a residence. A witness reported seeing standing across the street from his house on the Scott Robertson school grounds holding a knife and another reported seeing a man hide behind a tree on his neighbours property. Two police officers confronted a man on arrival and an officer fired a weapon striking and killing the man, according to the first witness, these gunshots occurred around 11:15pm. The victim was declared dead on the scene by first responders ASIRT was reported to be investigating, but there are no known updates.
Man fatally shot by EPS after 911 calls reported that he was carrying a gun
On September 18, 2020, Edmonton City Police were called with reports that a man was carrying a gun in the parking lot of a motel, and later a backyard of a nearby home near 118 Avenue and 69 Street. The man, 48-year-old Marty Powder, was found in the backyard of the house and the premise was surrounded by the police. He was shot multiple times by two officers after an altercation and was declared dead at the scene by EMS. A 12 gauge semi automatic shotgun with a single shell loaded was recovered from the scene and several shotgun shells were found in Powder's pockets. Powder's identity was released by his cousin, Amber Reid as well as several online posts. According to Powder's niece Shelly, it took weeks for his body to be released to his family. ASIRT was reported to be investigating, but no known updates are available.
RCMP Officer charged with sexual assault for off-duty incident
Sometime between July 30 and Sept 2, 2018, an Edmonton woman in a relationship with an RCMP officer attempted to end the relationship and asked him to leave her home. The officer then committed what ASIRT described as a "serious sexual assault". ASIRT was directed to investigate the incident in February 2020, and on January 22, 2021, Cpl. Kire Kondoski was charged with one count of sexual assault. The Crown discontinued prosecuting the case on September 24, 2021, with an Alberta Crown Prosecution Services spokesperson telling the Edmonton Journal “Upon further review, Calgary Prosecutions concluded that the evidence respecting the sexual assault charge against Kondoski did not meet the standard of reasonable likelihood of conviction and therefore the charge was withdrawn.”
1 count sexual assault charged 2020, dropped 2021
Man fatally shot by police during attempted robbery
Mike Bronaugh, also known as Mike Grisch, was fatally shot by two Edmonton Police Service officers responding to an armed robbery in progress call at the Canadian Western Bank at South Edmonton Common on December 11, 2012. Police were called around 2 p.m. to the Canadian Western Bank located at 21st Avenue and 99th Street where they found a man in his mid-twenties with a handgun. According to the evidence presented in the subsequent fatality inquiry, Mr. Bronaugh had made an appointment at the branch, but after sitting down with an employee, he demanded cash, then reached into his coat and "told her that she had twenty-eight seconds to produce the money, that he had a gun and would start shooting someone" (2016 Public Fatality Inquiry). The employee told Mr. Bronaugh it would take time to get the money and left to go to the bank's vault. The employee informed her coworkers and manager of the situation, and a supervisor placed a call to 911. When EPS arrived on scene, Mr. Bronaugh walked towards the bank entrance where two officers had entered with weapons drawn. According to an eyewitness and bank employees, Mr. Bronaugh drew a revolver only after the police entered the building. In the summary of evidence received by the fatality inquiry, one eyewitness (another customer in the bank) and the bank employees did not describe whether Mr. Bronaugh raised the gun; one responding police officer, Cst. McCracken, described Mr. Bronaugh as raising his gun toward the other customer and bank employees, while the other officer, A/Sgt Zielie, described Mr. Bronaugh bringing the gun up and appearing to point it at his own head, then turning to face the other people in the bank. Both officers described shouting at Mr. Bronaugh to drop the weapon, then firing their own guns - Cst. McCracken four shots from a rifle and A/Sgt Zielie two from a pistol, all of which struck Mr. Bronaugh. Mr. Bronaugh was taken to hospital and treated for his injuries, but died the following day with a medical cause of death "Multiple gunshot wounds". Although security camera footage from the incident was presented as evidence in the fatality inquiry, the report does not describe the footage or clarify the contradicting statements on where Mr. Bronaugh pointed the gun once the officers entered the bank. In a media interview with the Edmonton Sun, Mr. Bronaugh's mother stated she believed he was in the process of raising his hands above his head to surrender. Hospital records submitted to the inquiry for Mr. Bronaugh indicated he was receiving treatment for cancer and having seizures but did not indicate mental health concerns; in a media interview with CBC, Mr. Bronaugh's father stated that he was suffering depression and may have wanted the police to shoot him. In the fatality inquiry, A/Sgt Zielie stated that his decision to park his marked police cruiser in front of the bank window would not have been the appropriate practice had he known that Mr. Bronaugh was still inside the bank, which he believed "increased the danger to the people within the bank, decreased any tactical advantage the police had in responding" (2016 Public Fatality Inquiry). However, based on the testimony of both involved officers, an expert police witness from Calgary Police Service, and the statements made by the bank employees about their training on bank robberies, the inquiry concluded that it was extremely unusual that Mr. Bronaugh did not try to leave the bank quickly, and so no recommendations were made.
ASIRT Investigation opened December 12, 2012
ASIRT Investigation concluded use of force justified, July 31, 2013
Public Fatality Inquiry concluded 2016, published 2019
ASIRT Update on EPS officer-involved shooting
Report to the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Public Fatality Inquiry
EPS officer suspended without pay for releasing police dog on teenage girl
An Edmonton police officer has been suspended without pay for allowing a police dog to bite a 16-year-old girl during a wrongful arrest. Const. Antonio Costa was given a 50-hour suspension and ordered to take remedial training for the May 2017 arrest, which left the youth with serious injuries to her arm. Costa was a member of the Edmonton police canine unit at the time of the arrest. According to a disciplinary decision released Wednesday, he was asked to assist with an early morning assault call on May 14, 2017, during which two men allegedly entered a house near 112 Avenue and 91 Street and sprayed bear spray at the occupants. The two men — who were described as wearing red hats and red running shoes — escaped on BMX bikes. Costa and his police dog arrived in the area and saw several people on bikes headed eastward. The disciplinary decision does not specify which dog Costa was partnered with that night, though the EPS website says he is the handler for PSD Amok, a Belgian Malinois. After spotting the cyclists, Costa saw a group on foot near 114 Avenue and 91 Street and pulled up beside them. Though the group did not have bicycles, Costa told them they were under “investigative detention.” After hearing this, the group scattered, and Costa released his police dog. The dog chased the 16-year-old girl — identified in the decision as “BB” — and bit her on the right forearm. She was taken to the Stollery Children’s Hospital, where she was treated for puncture wounds. Costa was initially charged with eight counts of misconduct under the Police Act, including neglect of duty and insubordination. He pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful or necessary use of authority. The defence and prosecution agreed to a 50-hour suspension without pay, which Costa will serve in five-hour increments. Fred Kamins, the retired RCMP superintendent who presided over the hearing, formally imposed the sentence last month. Costa must also undergo remedial training on arrest powers and investigative detention. Kamins said aggravating factors in the case include “the injury to Ms. BB and the seriousness of interfering with someone’s liberty,” while crediting Costa with pleading guilty and maintaining an otherwise “blemish free” record. The Edmonton Police Association declined to comment on the Costa case. (Text adapted from CBC News)
Eight counts of misconduct under the Police Act, including neglect of duty and insubordination.
He pled guilty to two counts of unlawful or necessary use of authority. 50 hour suspension and ordered remedial training
11404, 91 Street NW, Alberta Avenue, Avenue District, Edmonton
Man shot during police confrontation following hit-and-run
Sterling Ross Cardinal was shot by police during an altercation in Northeast Edmonton. Cardinal was driving a stolen vehicle and was intercepted by police after being involved in a hit-and-run. According to ASIRT (the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team), two police officers approached the vehicle in the area of 66 Street and 123 Avenue and ordered Cardinal and the passenger to come out with their hands up. The passenger exited the vehicle and surrendered, but Cardinal stayed in the vehicle. The passenger later stated that Cardinal had a rifle in his lap. According to the ASIRT report, “This officer yelled ‘Gun, get back’ at the other officer, and commanded the man to drop the weapon. The man verbally refused, stating that he would not drop the gun, that officers would have to shoot him, and that he would shoot police,” (Edmonton Journal, June 5, 2020) before Cardinal fired one shot towards an officer. Police fired multiple shots in response, hitting Cardinal and killing him at the scene. Both Cardinal and his passenger were wanted on Canada-wide warrants for statutory release violations. A toxicology report from an autopsy showed he had alcohol, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana in his system. Cardinal was an Indigenous man from Calling Lake and a father of three, including a two-month-old baby boy.
ASIRT Investigation opened 2018, concluded June 4, 2020 that use of force was justified
ASIRT Release: Investigation opened, August 20, 2018
Man shot by police during arrest attempt
Matt Dumas was shot by Edmonton Police Service officers when trying to flee during an arrest attempt at Westmount Mall. Police attempted to box in Dumas, who was wanted on outstanding warrants related to drug trafficking, after tailing his vehicle to a parking lot at Westmount Mall. Three unmarked vehicles surrounded Dumas' parked car, which also had two female passengers, and turned on their emergency lights. Officers threw two flash-bang grenades towards the vehicle, and instructed the passengers to exit the vehicle with their hands up. Per the ASIRT report, all three individuals held up their hands for several seconds but did not exit the vehicle, before Dumas rammed the police vehicles to the rear and then the front of his car. Officers then threw 2 canisters of CS gas (tear gas) into the vehicle through the passenger window, and again pinned Dumas' car in place with their vehicles. As the officers began to attempt to remove the passengers, Dumas drew a handgun from a bag around his neck. Per the ASIRT report, one officer repeatedly told Dumas "don't do it", and another officer fired an ARWEN baton round (a "less-than-lethal" crowd control device that fires plastic rounds) that struck Dumas. Dumas then pointed his gun at one of the officers, at which point three officers opened fire on him. According to the ASIRT report (2020), the evidence is "unequivocal" that Dumas fired two rounds, which lodged in the dashboard of his vehicle; eyewitness reports suggest the police fired approximately 13 rounds. Dumas was struck multiple times and declared dead on the scene by a paramedic who accompanied the tactical response team. The two women in the car and officers were not injured. The coroner's report found traces of methamphetamine in his system, which the Executive Director of ASIRT, Susan Hughson, stated likely contributed to his "irrational decision" to attempt to flee and fire on the officers (Edmonton Journal, January 27, 2020). The ASIRT investigation concluded that the officers' use of force was justified; a Public Fatality Inquiry has yet to be scheduled as of November 2021. Friends of Dumas indicated that he had suffered increasing problems with drugs following the suicide of his twin brother in 2011. He was described as a "loving man" and one friend who spoke to media indicated he had young children.
ASIRT Investigation opened September 11, 2017
ASIRT Investigation concluded January 2020, found use of force justified
Public Fatality Inquiry to be scheduled, listed "To be scheduled" as of March 24, 2021
ASIRT News Release - Investigation Opened (2017)
ASIRT News Release - Investigation Concluded (2020)
EPS Officer charged with off-duty sexual assault
Constable Samuel Sanson has been charged with one count of sexual assault for an incident which occurred on January 20, 2021. Sanson is alleged to have sexually assaulted a female acquaintance while off-duty. Sanson is currently relieved of duty without pay. The matter was first scheduled to appear in court March 23, 2021. The Archive team will update as the case progresses.
String of disciplinary hearings, charges and lawsuits follow 2010 EPS beating of 29-year-old man
In January of 2010, several police officers arrived at the home of Kazimierz Kozina's parents to search for drugs, as they suspected Kozina of drug trafficking. According to Kozina, several officers including Constable Redlick told him they wanted to "beat the shit" out of him. In February 2010, Constables Jack Redlick, Jason Kemp, Craig Offin and Phil Leeman arranged a 'buy and bust' from Kozina. After Kozina sold drugs to an undercover Leeman in the front seat of a Pontiac Sunfire, Redlick and Kemp approached the vehicle, Redlick with his gun drawn, and opened the passenger door and ordered Kozina out of the vehicle. They claim that Kozina pressed himself into the seat, and as Kemp reached into the car and grabbed Kozina's clothing, he began to flail his arms. Kemp punched him twice with "full speed and power", and Redlick threw three additional punches, two at Kozina's head, in what he claims was an attempt to get Kozina out of the car. CBC News summarized their testimony of the rest of the incident - ""The fight was on immediately outside the car as well," [Kemp] said. Redlick testified, "I shove him as hard as I can with both hands straight down to the ground. Then he tries to get back on his feet. "I yell at him again to stay down. I don't want to punch him in the back of the head because it will break my hand." Instead, Redlick hit Kozina on the back of the head with an open palm. Const. Offin [another undercover officer] also entered the fray. "This is happening fairly quickly," he had testified earlier. "You just rely on your training to do what is necessary." Offin was also charged, but the charge against him was dropped when he resigned from the police service. He testified Wednesday as a witness. Offin said he delivered two strikes to Kozina's back in an attempt to control him. Kemp said he "delivered five or six short kind of rabbit jabs to his mid-section." While Kozina continued to flail on the ground, more officers ran to assist. In the confusion, Kemp said an officer punched him in the back of the head, someone else grabbed his legs by mistake, and a third officer even jumped on his shoulders and drove his head into the ground. Kemp described it as a "melee," while Offin called it a "schmozz," with "a bunch of bodies and arms going everywhere." Kemp said, "I overheard Kazimierz yelling out, 'Why are you doing this?'" Kemp said he pleaded with the suspect to just "give me your hands and we will stop." Kozina was handcuffed and led to a police car. He had to be taken to hospital that night. He suffered a fractured orbital bone that ultimately required reconstructive surgery, plus cuts, bruises and a spinal injury." (CBC News, June 3, 2016). A witness, EPS officer Derek Huff, later estimated that between 15-20 punches were thrown once Kozina was handcuffed on the ground, and described Kozina's condition saying “His face was a great big giant black ball … of blood and bruising,” said Huff. “It looked like he had a gotten into a full head-on collision and smashed his head into a steering wheel.” (CBC News, Sept 27, 2013) Huff claimed that Kemp's injury, which Kemp blamed on Kozina and used as justification for his use of force, was a result of a mislaid punch from another officer. Kozina launched a formal complaint against the officers involved in 2010, which was dismissed by Chief Mike Boyd later that year. Kozina appealed to the Law Enforcement Review Board (LERB), which required the new Chief Rod Knecht to re-examine the allegations. Knecht sent the matter to a disciplinary hearing, which dismissed Police Act charges against the officers in July 2016. The presiding officer in that review, retired Court of Queen's Bench judge Mel Binder, described Constable Redlick in glowing terms - "Const. Redlick struck me as a solid, street-smart, hard-nosed but fair police officer, with basic common sense, who would tell it as it is and who would call a spade a spade" (CBC News, July 21, 2016), a statement that Kozina's lawyer Tom Engel noted was particularly problematic. In the same hearing, two other EPS officers (one of whom Kozina accused of participating in the assault) testified that they "didn't recall" seeing Huff at the scene of the incident, and claimed that Kozina was resisting the arrest, justifying Redlick and Kemp's actions. Kozina again appealed this decision to LERB, which upheld the it. As of 2021, he is seeking a judicial review of the decision. A separate ASIRT investigation concluded in 2014 with no charges against the officers. Kozina filed a lawsuit in September 2015 for $1 million in damages for physical and psychological injuries that affected his ability to work. Kozina's lawsuit alleged that police attempted to cover up the incident and failed to disclose brutality allegations that were made by a witness (a former EPS officer) to CBC in 2013. That officer, Derek Huff, told CBC that he repeatedly reported his concerns about the arrest and how it was characterized in the arresting officers' reports, resulting in mistreatment from his fellow officers for breaking the "code of silence" (Edmonton Journal, Sept 27, 2019). In June 2012 Huff went to the deputy chief and wrote a formal complaint, which was sent to ASIRT, triggering an investigation. The Edmonton Sun reported that the handling of the incident led to the transfer of several constables, a staff sergeant and a superintendent (Edmonton Sun, Sept 30, 2013). Huff resigned from the force in February 2013 and filed a lawsuit against the City of Edmonton and EPS, along with the current and former police chiefs and several officers and supervisors, claiming that following his whistleblowing on the incident he was harassed by other EPS staff to the point it affected his mental health and a diagnosis of PTSD; the lawsuit was dropped in November 2014. CBC News reported in 2016 that Huff was facing two criminal charges for uttering death threats against Redlick and Kemp in an email to another officer, but the Archive team has yet to locate information about the outcome of that case. Kozina pled guilty to trafficking in a controlled substance and obstruction of a peace officer on Oct. 25, 2011, but later submitted an appeal on the basis that Huff's information had not been disclosed. The Court of Appeal set aside his guilty plea and quashed his conviction on July 14, 2015.
Fractured orbital bone; Cuts; Bruises; Spinal injury
Several officers involved; primary assailant bald white man, 6'4"
Kozina filed Professional Standards Branch complaint 2010, dismissed 2010; Kozina appealed dismissal, case was sent to disciplinary hearing and dismissed in July 2016; Kozina appealed to Law Enforcement Review Board (LERB), decision upheld (Kozina v Redlick 2019 ABQB749); Kozina seeking judicial review as of 2021; ASIRT investigation opened 2012, concluded in 2014 with no charges
Kozina v Kemp, 2014 CanLII 10796 (AB LERB)
Kozina v Kemp, 2014 CanLII 31052 (AB LERB)
Kozina v Edmonton (Police Service), 2014 ABLERB 46 (CanLII)
Kozina v Edmonton (Police Service), 2016 ABLERB 22 (CanLII)
Kozina v Edmonton (Police Service), 2017 ABLERB 8 (CanLII)
Kozina v Edmonton (Police Service), 2017 ABLERB 20 (CanLII)
Kozina v Edmonton (Police Service), 2018 ABLERB 2 (CanLII)
Kozina filed a lawsuit 2015; Huff filed a lawsuit 2013, dropped it in November 2014; Huff charged for uttering death threats against Constables Redlick and Kemp 2016 (outcome unknown); Kozima pled guilty to trafficking in a controlled substance & obstructing a police officer Oct 25, 2011, but later appealed, conviction quashed July 14, 2015.
Suspect violently assaulted during arrest near Alberta Legislature
A violent arrest caught on camera in 2019 led to an assault charge being laid against EPS officer Dylan Awid. Police officers gave chase to a truck they identified as stolen on the evening of June 11, 2019, with an EPS helicopter tracking the vehicle to an apartment building parking lot near the Alberta Legislature building. Police vehicles converged on the scene and boxed the truck in after it rammed vehicles to the rear and front in an attempt to escape. When the truck came to a halt, one officer exited the passenger side of the nearest police SUV and approached the car. As the driver, Kyle Parkhurst, opened the door and climbed out of the vehicle, the officer kicked the door against him, then struck him in the head with his gun. Parkhurst then fell to the ground, at which point he was kicked and punched multiple times; police also confirmed that he was Tasered twice during the arrest. One officer, later identified as Constable Dylan Awid, kicked Parkhurst multiple times before pulling him to his feet while handcuffed and slamming his head into a brick wall. He struck Parkhurst in the head with his elbow, then while walking him towards the police cruiser, violently shoved him up against it. Security camera footage of the incident shows officers appearing to re-enact the violence of the arrest after Parkhurst has been placed in custody. Experts interviewed by CBC about the footage indicated that an officer who appeared to deliberately walk away from the scene once the assault began appeared to be a sergeant; none of the many officers at the scene appear to attempt to intervene. Parkhurst's lawyer claims that after being taken into custody, his requests to see a doctor were denied and his injuries were never photographed, and asserts that his blood-soaked shirt was covered with a sweater when his mug shot photo was taken. EPS claims that Parkhurst was assessed by a parademic at the police station and his injuries were deemed minor. He stated that his mouth filled with blood for several hours after the incident, he suffered headaches and migranes several weeks after the incident, and had no memory of being thrown against the wall. He was not assessed by a doctor until two weeks later, when a lawyer acting for his grandmother filed a written complaint. In a subsequent legal filing Parkhurst stated he submitted dozens of written requests for medical treatment for severe headaches, numbness, and tingling in his legs and torso, as well as mental health issues, but was only seen by a doctor once. Some media reporting on the incident described it as "methamphetamine-fueled" but it is not clear when/whether Parkhurst was tested for substances. EPS appears to have been reluctant to provide information to the media following the incident. They announced their Professional Standards Branch would investigate after bystander videos of the incident were released online, but did not disclose to the media that they were also initiating a criminal investigation, which was discovered by CBC News when they spoke to the provincial director of law enforcement, Bill Sweeney, about why EPS was permitted to internally investigate an alleged assault on a prisoner. The day after CBC ran the July 9 story about the internal investigation, it was handed over to ASIRT (the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team). Reporters were later able to ascertain that Constable Awid had been removed from active duty sometime after the incident. In October 2021, ASIRT determined that Awid should be charged for the violence that occurred after Parkhurst was handcuffed, and on October 7, 2021 he was charged with one count of assault. The charge against Awid was stayed on November 8, 2021; the Edmonton Journal reported "a spokesperson for Alberta’s Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General told Postmedia that Alberta Crown Prosecution Service’s (ACPS) standard for prosecution is higher than that of the police, and that it’s possible for a case to meet one standard, but fail to meet a more onerous standard at higher levels of the justice system. “In this case, an ACPS prosecutor reviewed the investigation and surrounding circumstances and concluded that the charges did not meet our standard for prosecution,” the statement said" (Edmonton Journal, November 16, 2021). No reason was given by the ministry or the Crown for why this decision was made. Parkhurst was originally charged with nine offences, eventually reduced to four to which he pled guilty - possession of stolen property over $5,000; dangerous operation of a motor vehicle; driving while disqualified; and breach of recognizance. In August 2021 Parkhurst filed a lawsuit against Awid and six other police officers including Police Chief Dale McFee, Alberta Health Services, and the Alberta government, for $100,000. The Archive team will update this incident as the lawsuit proceeds and more information about the dropped charges becomes available.
Head trauma; Nerve damage; Mental injury
Numerous officers involved; majority of violence perpetrated by bald man with light-coloured skin.
Yes - Professional Standards Branch investigation & EPS criminal investigation handed to ASIRT in July 2019
ASIRT laid assault charge against Constable Awid in October 2021; charge dropped November 2021.
Assault charge filed Oct 7, 2021; stayed Nov 8, 2021 Civil lawsuit filed by victim August 2021
ASIRT News Release on charge laid, Oct 8, 2021
Some parking lot near legislature building
Two men injured by police in violent mistaken identity arrest at Circle K convenience store
A complaint of police brutality and misconduct has been filed against city officers by a man who says his wrongful arrest felt more like a kidnapping. In a formal complaint to the Edmonton Police Service’s Professional Standards Branch, Jamie-Dean Sauter recounts being arrested in a Circle K at 116 Street and 104 Avenue on May 14 (2020) around 8:15 p.m. By Sauter’s account, he was approached by six EPS members, told he was under arrest for stealing a vehicle, and – as he was offering to show them his ID, license, registration and insurance – slammed to the ground. “I was still calm enough at the point, if I just present my driver’s license, my insurance, my registration, this will clearly be cleared up,” he remembers thinking. But on the ground, Sauter says he was punched, had the boot of one officer wiped across his face, effectively blindfolded by a covering over his face, and taken to a station whose location he would not learn until later. “It was one of the most dehumanizing, delegitimatizing things I’ve experienced because I felt it was done to let me know I’m dirt beneath your boot.” Sauter wrote to the EPS Professional Standards Branch on May 20, “This all to me did not appear to be an arrest but rather a kidnapping.” The 37-year-old says he manages several health conditions, and worried the confrontation would end in a heart attack or suffocation. “It was reckless, thoughtless, and degrading… How quickly they escalated to use violence was baffling and bewildering to me, especially given I was willing to cooperate, engage, and comply with the six officers,” his complaint reads. Sauter identifies as being of Black/Indigenous/Latin/European/East Asian descent. In the letter, he also writes he believes his ethnicity was a “determining factor in how this arrest was conducted” and recalls being mocked for his assumed sexuality. Twenty-four-year-old Joshua Powell was at the Circle K’s check-out counter when he says “about six cops bust through the door and just seemed to tackle this man without even asking for identification—anything, like any sort of explanation.” With his phone already in hand as he had waited to pay, Powell started recording. “I just had a gut feeling that, ‘Hey, something’s not right here and I should probably be recording this,” he recalled. At least three officers are seen in the video taking Sauter to the ground as Powell’s video starts. Sauter can be heard yelling, “Ow,” and asking, “What are you doing?” Powell tells Sauter, “If you stop moving, they won’t hurt you,” and moves to find a better camera angle – but as he does, an officer appears to attempt to block his view. “I couldn’t really capture it on film due to the way officers were blocking my footage,” he told CTV News Edmonton. On camera, he tells the police, “That was a bit excessive from an outside perspective.” Powell ended up being arrested for obstruction of justice. In the video, as his camera is shaken around, he’s heard saying: “I’m just filming. What are you doing to me?” “This guy’s trying to get my phone. I gotta save this video and lock my phone,” he recalled thinking. Minutes later, he says he was he was carried out, also hooded, and put in a police vehicle in front of his clueless girlfriend. “We had no power. I was called a little b*tch. I was called a f*ggot. They wouldn’t let me speak to my girlfriend to tell her what was going on.” Both men allege the treatment continued at the downtown EPS station, where the men were held in custody. “I just know from movies and stuff, you get a phone call, right?” Powell asked, saying he wasn’t afforded one. Sauter said he was allowed to make calls to his brother, who is a detective with EPS, and Legal Aid. However, he says he received no medical attention for the bruising, cuts, swelling or shock he was experiencing. He experienced pain for days afterward, and still has neck and back issues, he told CTV News Edmonton. The 24-year-old witness also says he sustained abrasions on his wrists from too-tight handcuffs, forehead and facial bruising, and a cut on his shin from the ordeal. Both were released around 12:30 a.m. By then, officers had verified Sauter’s insurance and ownership of the vehicle, whose plate, police discovered, had been replaced with a stolen one. As he left, Sauter says he was told he needed “to learn how to conduct yourself around officers." Sauter was never charged. The charge against Powell was stayed July 8. Both men have filed official complaints and obtained lawyers, but none of their accusations have been tested or proven in court. EPS confirmed two Professional Standards Branch investigations are open, related to the complaints filed by Sauter and Powell. Spokesperson Cheryl Voordenhout said there are eight officers who are subject to the investigations. “At this time, it is too early to determine any changes to the duty status of the officers. As per standard procedure, duty status is evaluated on an ongoing basis as the investigation unfolds,” she wrote to media. The response has left Sauter unsatisfied, and he reiterated a sentiment he first expressed in the letter to the Professional Standards Branch, Edmonton Police Commission, and Chief Dale McFee: “I don’t feel safe with them out.” Sauter repeatedly told CTV News Edmonton his experiences with police had previously been positive, but after his own “traumatizing” arrest and hearing Minneapolis man George Floyd uttered the same words he did beneath the knee of a policeman — “I can’t breathe” — also said he’s come to believe law enforcement need to be held more accountable. Widespread use of body cams, he said, could help others in the same way a stranger helped him. “Had this video not been available, it would’ve left my credibility tarnished… I would have to be up against six to seven officers, and I would have no actual proof of what occurred,” Sauter told CTV News Edmonton, speaking of Powell’s short clip in the Circle K. “He’s my hero. He’s incredibly brave. He has incredible integrity and moral character. He’s not a coward. His intuition was correct and he did the right thing.” (Text from CTV News article, July 9, 2020) Both Sauter and Powell are represented by lawyers. In his complaint to the Professional Standards Branch, Sauter stated "This all to me did not appear to be an arrest but rather a kidnapping.” He believes he sustained injuries that caused a curve in his spine, along with ongoing pain, migranes, and possible PTSD. The Archive team is seeking the results of the Professional Standards Branch investigations and will update this entry when more information is available.
Sauter: Lump on head, bruises, cuts, swelling & pain. Believes he now has curved spine, suffers migraines, and being monitored for brain trauma, nerve damage and PTSD.
Seven officers involved in the incident; as best can be determined from video, one woman, six men, all white
Sauter filed complaint with EPS Professional Standards Branch (2020) Powell filed complaint with EPS Professional Standards Branch (2020)