Alberta Police Services in Chaos


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Police defend secrecy CALGARY - In January, a Calgary police officer was charged with assaulting a 73-year-old man and assault with a weapon. But the Calgary Police Service, under a policy instituted last fall, determined the alleged incident wasn't serious enough - or in the public's interest - and the identity of the officer involved was never made public. In the past three months, four other police officers have been charged with assaults while on duty and none of their identities has been released. (Calgary Herald) MORE: Police policy raises concerns Mounties swarmed CADOTTE LAKE - - Two rookie Mounties - both hospitalized with broken facial bones - were swarmed with brass knuckles and had a Taser wrangled away from them after responding to a call inside a northern Alberta home. (QMI) MORE: Mounties swarmed & beaten Mounties beaten trying to break up brawl Officers beaten Police fail to investigate complaint CALGARY - An hour after Kelly Dunlop's first appointment with Dr. Lawrence Demco she filed a complaint with police. Dunlop also complained to the College of Physicians and Surgeons, along with a number of other patients. Last month, the college forced Dr. Demco to close his practice due to improper care. (CTV) Not allowed to give evidence EDMONTON - Two former police officers were not allowed to give evidence at a police disciplinary hearing. The hearing is being held to decide what punishment should be meted out to Const. Sebastien Berube, a rookie constable who has been convicted of seven charges under the police act, including one count of insubordination and two counts each of deceit, corrupt practice and discreditable conduct. (Edmonton Journal) Officer charged EDMONTON - An RCMP officer has been charged with assault causing bodily harm and obstruction of justice after a man was injured in police cells in Lac La Biche in September. (Edmonton Journal) Officer 'hazing' target EDMONTON - Former constable Monique Prefontaine wept as she recounted the intimidation and humiliation she endured after she lodged an assault complaint against one officer and made allegations of misconduct against others. (Edmonton Journal) PREVIOUS: Constable quit over fears of other officers Code of silence forced rookie to quit Crime victims program in disarray CALGARY - Provincial officials are now tackling a series of problems that have afflicted Alberta's Financial Benefits Program and led to significant backlogs in processing applications from victims of violent crime. (Calgary Herald) PREVIOUS: AB help for victims of crime Mounties cleared EDMONTON - Sarah Jouppi, 21, was killed instantly when the car she was riding in veered off the road and crashed into a small slough. (Sun Media) MORE: RCMP cleared of wrongdoing Tampering EDMONTON - Det. Jim MacNeil, 50, was convicted of charges of attempting to obstruct justice and breach of trust. (Sun Media) MORE: Officer guilty 'Policing is a vocation' EDMONTON - Spend an hour with Chris Braiden and your head will explode. The 70-year-old retired police superintendent shows little sign of slowing down. (Edmonton Journal) 3 charged CALGARY - Three people have been charged with assaulting a police officer after an incident at the Virgin Festival. (CTV) Fire departments get protection EDMONTON - It will be tougher for insurance companies to sue fire departments under a new bill that passed final reading in the legislature. (Edmonton Journal) RELATED: RCMP sued	Officers cleared EDMONTON - An investigative team has determined RCMP officers acted "reasonably and lawfully" when they engaged in a high-speed chase through the town of Hinton last November that ended in the deaths of two drivers. (Edmonton Journal) MORE: Constables cleared Officer cleared CALGARY - A provincial investigative team says a Calgary police officer was justified in shooting a suspect last year. Sgt. Dave Jennings opened fire on a stolen car inside a car wash on Richmond Road SW in March 18, 2009. The vehicle was being driven by Travis Douglas Oakes. (CTV) MORE: Police justified in shooting Cop justified Charge laid COCHRANE - A break and enter charge has been laid against a Cochrane RCMP constable. Keith Anderson is facing the charge in connection to an incident that happened on February 14th. (CTV) Constable docked EDMONTON - A veteran Edmonton police officer who was found drunk behind the wheel of his car after drinking off-shift at the station has been docked $4,800 in wages and overtime as punishment. (Edmonton Journal) Mounties cleared in death CALGARY - After two jolts with a stun-gun, Grant Prentice died but ASIRT found it was due to cocaine use and not the weapon officers were forced to use. (QMI) PREVIOUS: Man dies after RCMP use Taser Police dog stabbed EDMONTON - Cora the police dog was stabbed twice in the head during a foot chase, police said. (CBC) MORE: 2 arrested in police dog stabbing Police dog injured Stabbed police dog expected to survive Taser stopped attack CALGARY - Police went to the home on Beaconsville Crescent after reports a man had stabbed his 24-year-old sister several times. When officers arrived, they discovered a man in the midst of choking his 52-year-old mother. (Calgary Herald) Police shooting justified CALGARY - Officials from the ASIRT said a five-month investigation found that four Calgary police officers were justified in the shooting of a man at an apartment building near downtown on May 26. The investigation revealed the man with the knife was suffering from a mental illness. (Calgary Herald) Officers cleared CALGARY - Gordon Bowe died after being taken into police custody November 1, 2008. The Medical Examiner concluded that Bowe died as a result of cocaine use. (CTV) New guidelines EDMONTON - Alberta has announced that new guidelines on the use of Tasers will be implemented for all Alberta police agencies. (CTV) REPORT: Braidwood inquiry report RCMP sued over family slayings CALGARY - The surviving members of a family devastated by a murder-suicide 21/2 years ago are suing the RCMP, alleging wrongful death. (Calgary Herald) RCMP face $2.5M lawsuit EDMONTON - An Exshaw man has filed a $2.5M lawsuit against the RCMP and two constables for allegedly repeatedly Tasering him during an arrest in Banff two years ago. (Calgary Herald) Chief 'got the message' EDMONTON - Police chief Mike Boyd told the media he plans to take immediate action to repair his relationship with rank-and-file members and will ensure their concerns are addressed. (CTV) MORE: Chief tries to mend fences Posters mock police chief Chief investigates rank-and-file revolt Chief frowns on cops' blue streak Police cleared EDMONTON - Four Edmonton police officers have been cleared by a superior officer of wrongdoing in the 2002 Tasering and strip search of Craig Williamson, who has cerebral palsy. (Edmonton Journal)

RCMP strained by OC focus CALGARY - Authorities are making significant busts targeting organized crime and child pornography in Alberta, but internal RCMP documents reveal the successes are coming at a cost as specialized police units labour under growing workloads and compete for seasoned investigators. (Calgary Herald)	Cop swarmers avoid jail time EDMONTON - Two Edmonton men involved in a mob "swarming attack" on a city police officer avoided jail time yesterday as they were given sentences to be served in the community. (Sun Media) PREVIOUS: Cops swarmed Teen disputes police version of swarming Officer choked

Officer arrested CALGARY - A Calgary police constable has been arrested and charged with luring a minor over the Internet. An investigation, carried out by the ASIRT resulted in the arrest of Randann Sargent, 26. (Calgary Herald) MORE: Cop accused of luring teen Officer charged	Man cleared in cop assault EDMONTON - A city man had charges of assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest dismissed after a judge ruled the officer let it become "personal" and went overboard. (Sun Media) MORE: Teen acquitted of assaulting cop

Officer challenges arrest CALGARY - A 17-year veteran city police officer on trial for impaired driving is questioning a fellow officer's grounds for arresting him at a checkstop while off duty last winter. (Calgary Herald)	No findings CALGARY - The judge presiding over a fatality inquiry into the death of a Red Deer man who was Tasered by Mounties has made no recommendations, saying the manner of death is inconclusive. (Calgary Herald)

RCMP cleared CALGARY - An independent probe has cleared the RCMP of any wrongdoing in a rollover crash that killed two men near the southern Alberta town of Cardston. (Calgary Herald)	Crime prevention funds CALGARY - The federal government is putting $3.1M toward Calgary crime prevention programs designed to steer youth away from organized crime. (Calgary Herald) MORE: Anti-gang funding

Officer found dead EDMONTON - The officer’s body was found in his car outside of the Windermere Walmart in southwest Edmonton around 7:50am. The medical examiner concluded that the death was not criminal. (Edmonton Journal) MORE: Police officer found dead Officer found dead	Officers cleared EDMONTON - On May 10, 2009, two police officers attempted to take Shawn Michael Price, 36, into custody on a charge of an attempted personal robbery near 102nd Street and 107th Avenue. (CTV) MORE: Suspect killed by police Victim had violent past Policing shooting Police kill suspect

Officer charged with assault RED DEER - Cpl. Francois Paquin, 46, who has 21 years experience with the RCMP, was charged nearly a year after arresting a robbery suspect. Paquin is alleged to have assaulted the man by striking him in the face. (Calgary Herald)	Cost tops $6M CALGARY - Fighting gangs and organized crime in Calgary cost authorities at least $6M last year, and officials say that figure represents only a fraction of the real cost. (Calgary Herald) PREVIOUS: Police overtime approved

Cop cleared CALGARY - The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team said Calgary police Sgt. Andrew Jorgensen was justified in firing three shots from his C-8 assault rifle into Melvin Donald Vanhouwe, 49, on May 24, 2009. (QMI) MORE: Police cleared Court order not to own guns Man killed by officer Police shooting in hostage situation	Officer investigating EDMONTON - The conduct of the police officer who shot a 26-year-old man wielding a butcher knife is being investigated by a senior Edmonton police officer on temporary assignment, prompting critics to question the labelling of the new $3.8M provincial team as an independent organization. (Edmonton Journal) MORE: Taser training outdated Percy Davis police shooting

Man dies after police user Taser BROOKS, AB - Sources said Mounties encountered an aggressive man during an investigation into a possible break-in on a residential street in the Lake Bevan area of the town, about 170 km southeast of Calgary, about suppertime.(Sun Media) MORE: Man dies following tasering Man dies after Taser deployed	Officer killed An RCMP officer was killed while conducting speed enforcement on Highway 2A near the town of Millet, AB. Const. James Lundblad, 41, of the RCMP's traffic services unit in Camrose was killed when his marked RCMP vehicle was involved in a collision with a grain truck on the highway around 10am. (CBC) MORE: Officer enthusiastic, well liked

Award ceremony EDMONTON - An Edmonton police officer who was shot three times and two constables who were involved in the resulting shootout are to be honoured at an awards ceremony. (Edmonton Journal)	Police shooting CALGARY - The man shot and killed by police while in a stolen car was a convicted criminal wanted on warrants at the time of the incident. (Calgary Herald) MORE: Driver shot while trying to ram cops Man shot by police

Officer dragged by vehicle CALGARY - A Calgary Police officer, who was conducting traffic enforcement on eastbound 16th Avenue near Deerfoot Trail, was dragged approximately 200 metres by a vehicle around 9:45am Friday. (CTV) MORE: Fleeing car drags cop	Police swarming trial EDMONTON - An Edmonton man accused in a police swarming case was convicted of obstruction for yelling and swearing at one cop, but was acquitted of assaulting another. (Sun Media) MORE: 18 months' probation Cop describes being victim of swarming

A badge, a gun and Facebook EDMONTON - No friends, no wall posts and no photos - it might be among the saddest Facebook profiles out there. Unlike the majority of Facebook denizens, the oddly named "Eps Documents" is clearly not on the popular social networking site to poke friends or post drunken party photos. (Edmonton Journal)	Province rejects plea for money CALGARY - Mayor Dave Bronconnier and police Chief Rick Hanson left a meeting with the premier empty-handed, after arguments to pay for more police officers failed to persuade Ed Stelmach to dip into Alberta's surplus. (Calgary Herald) PREVIOUS: Families question gang claims Houses, cars, weapons seized

2nd Mountie files suit EDMONTON - A second former Mountie from Mayerthorpe is suing the RCMP for more than $3 million, claiming the "significant nervous shock and suffering" he experienced following the murders of four fellow officers was largely ignored by the force. (Edmonton Journal) PREVIOUS: Ex-cop sues	Police taser moviegoer CALGARY - Police were called to the Scotiabank Theatre around 5pm when the man, who police said was extremely intoxicated, produced a knife after managers and mall security asked him to leave. (Calgary Herald) MORE: Cops hits moviegoer with Taser

Not guilty CALGARY - Cst. Dino Izzo and Cst. Roland Stewart were charged with Assault Causing Bodily Harm for an incident that happened in the police administration building in November 2007. (CTV)	Police cleared CALGARY - A Calgary police officer acted reasonably when he fatally shot a man who was waving a butcher knife and refusing to drop the weapon, a provincial investigation concludes. (CBC)

Charges tossed EDMONTON - Provincial court Judge Michael Allen yesterday dismissed five counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm and one count of driving with a blood-alcohol level of over .08 against (Douglas) Kurtis Brown, 30. (Sun Media) MORE: Judges throws out charges	Mountie faces charges CALGARY - A Calgary-based Mountie is facing 17 criminal charges, including extortion, harassment, fraud over $5,000 and perjury relating to mortgage fraud. RCMP announced that Const. Hoa La of Airdrie, who has been with the force for 12 years, has been under investigation since 2006. (Calgary Herald)

Force morale problem EDMONTON - Police Chief Mike Boyd says he's not surprised by the results of an internal survey which suggests many officers considered quitting in the past year, citing workplace morale as a primary reason. (Edmonton Journal) RELATED: Homicide unit battles rising tide	Officer acquitted CALGARY - A Calgary police officer has been acquitted of drunk driving after the judge ruled the breathalyzer test violated the officer's charter of rights. Off-duty detective Travis Dunkle was pulled over in a checkstop in January of 2009. (CTV) PREVIOUS: 3rd offence

AB seeks wider limits on bail CALGARY - Alberta's justice minister is calling on the federal government to expand the roster of crimes subject to tougher bail restrictions. (Calgary Herald) Anti-gang summit	Police chiefs warn of terrorism Agencies get over $2M to fight gang growth Investigators tap into info on networking sites AB police can now seize gang vehicles Calgary budget freeze talk stuns police Cocaine costs rise Close to $2M seized from AB gangs

Mountie faces sex assault charge FORT SASKATCHEWAN - Mario Jimenez, 36, was arrested and charged on Tuesday with one count of sexual assault in connection with an incident alleged to have occurred in November 2008, while he was off-duty. (Edmonton Journal)	Policing bills can cripple budgets EDMONTON - One town in northwestern Alberta nearly went broke under the weight of a $1M tab for a lengthy RCMP probe after a doctor was accused of killing another doctor in 1999. (Daily Gleaner) MORE: RCMP billing merits a review

$10M to target 60 crooks EDMONTON - The province will spend $10.4 million to go after 60 of Alberta's top petty crooks and drug addicts. (Edmonton Journal) PREVIOUS: 'We're coming after you' Alberta beefs up gang war arsenal	Whodunnit? EDMONTON - On July 18, 2008, local RCMP conducted a most extraordinary operation. They entered the offices of Alberta Justice, looking for evidence of criminal conduct. (Edmonton Journal)

Calgary officer kills himself CALGARY - The RCMP responded to a shooting in Langdon early Thursday where an off-duty Calgary police officer killed himself. (Calgary Herald)	Officer went too far EDMONTON - Const. Andrew Hoglund was out of line when he Tasered a university student under arrest, a disciplinary hearing ruled. (Sun Media)

Chief targets gangs from Ontario EDMONTON - Ontario gangs have dug their claws into Edmonton and a recession won't force them to loosen their grip, Police Chief Mike Boyd says. (Edmonton Journal) MORE: Computers help in local policing Time for Alberta to turf the RCMP	CRUD targets street crime EDMONTON - Chris Hayduk was power-washing a building on 118th Avenue when he suddenly found himself surrounded by belligerent prostitutes and their goons. (Edmonton Journal) MORE: Citizens hang out to fight crime

Rowdy partiers attack police OKOTOKS - A large post-football game party ended with a crowd of drunken young adults and high school aged youths turning their anger towards police, according to the RCMP. . (Calgary Herald)	Calgary turns to cameras CALGARY - Surveillance cameras will be trained on downtown crime hot spots by the middle of this month, kicking off a year where city hall vows to focus on safety and security. (Calgary Herald)

No charges EDMONTON - No charges will be laid in connection with an incident last summer in which a schizophrenic woman was shot by police in her apartment after she allegedly threatened an officer with a knife. (Edmonton Journal) PREVIOUS: Police cleared, woman charged	Never truly off duty EDMONTON - Veteran RCMP sergeant Mike Proctor sat in a backyard wading pool with his granddaughter, splashing around when the phone rang. Two young constables were chasing an SUV through Vegreville. (Edmonton Journal) MORE: Unseen partners in crime Assume the worst

Hearing over use of taser EDMONTON - An upcoming internal police disciplinary hearing will decide if four city constables acted appropriately when they allegedly Tasered a 95-pound man who had cerebral palsy in 2002. (Edmonton Journal)	Cop guilty of insubordination EDMONTON - An Edmonton police constable who left two strip-club waitresses unwatched in a lounge at police headquarters was found guilty Friday of insubordination and deceit. (Edmonton Journal)

Fatal shooting deemed justified EDMONTON - The fatal shooting of a 59-year-old in July in Vegreville has been determined to be justified and no charges will be laid. (Edmonton Journal) PREVIOUS: No criminal charges 'Suicide-by-cop' suspected Family not blaming RCMP	Mountie gets bail AIRDRIE - A veteran RCMP officer who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl has been granted bail only days after receiving a strict sentence for the crime. (Calgary Herald) PREVIOUS: Mountie jailed Guilty Mountie will still receive award

Stampede honours Mountie CALGARY - On Tuesday at the Grandstand courtyard, Lesley Massey revealed a life-sized bronze statue of her husband, RCMP Supt. Dennis Massey, who volunteered seven years with the Calgary Stampede. (Calgary Herald)	Death fires up Taser debate CALGARY - The family of a man who died after officers used a Taser to subdue him say the controversial weapon is an inappropriate use of police force. (Calgary Herald)

Investigations streamlined EDMONTON - Police chiefs in Alberta now have more power to handle internal investigations as they see fit, while officers accused of misconduct will face greater scrutiny under new regulations announced by the provincial government. (Calgary Herald)	Top cop wants independent investigations New unit to watch police conduct Police panel lacks punch

Conditional discharge EDMONTON - Two Edmonton police officers found guilty of assaulting a man in his own home were each given six-month conditional discharges Friday and ordered to perform 60 hours of community service. . (Edmonton Journal) PREVIOUS: 2 cops guilty of assault	Taser ineffective body armour CALGARY - A man wearing body armour withstood two Taser shocks from a Calgary police officer before he was subdued, ending a chase that resulted in the discovery of $30,000 worth of cocaine. (CTV) MORE: Taser used to end chase

Officer charged with assault CALGARY - An officer charged with assault causing bodily harm used an appropriate amount of force in collaring a man who was resisting arrest, the president of the Calgary Police Association argued. (Calgary Herald)	Officer charged CALGARY - Const. Darwin Pearce, 41, has been charged with assault and uttering threats in connection with an incident at a bar in Kensington on Dec. 22, 2007. (Calgary Herald)

Former cop sues EDMONTON -Douglas Brown is claiming the department prevented him from pursuing a career in the Canadian Forces while he was suspended from his duties. (Edmonton Journal) PREVIOUS: Commission upholds decision	RCMP send 23 officers SMOKY LAKE - A team of 23 RCMP officers from both Smoky Lake and the Edmonton Emergency Response Team went to the farmhouse for the second time in two days when the 36-year-old man approached police with two guns. (Edmonton Journal)

Scolding prompts police review CALGARY - The city's police commission will publicly review its policy on how long the Calgary Police Service has to investigate complaints against its officers after a judge criticized a "secret" change to the rules. (Calgary Herald) MORE: Officer in limbo wants back on beat	Internal investigation CALGARY - The police force has launched an internal investigation after a civilian staffer was charged in connection with a pair of marijuana grow operations raided this week. Supt. Ken Marchant said the force will conduct a review of the conduct of Lan Nguyen Dang, but does not believe its security was breached. (CBC)

Police brutality claim CALGARY - Calgary's police chief promised a thorough investigation of allegations of excessive force against four officers, as others questioned the credibility of the store owner making the accusations. (Calgary Herald)	Anger management classes EDMONTON - Const. Gord Kroeker was found guilty Thursday of conduct unbecoming of an officer in an April 1, 2006, incident outside a St. Albert pub called the Beer Hunter. (Edmonton Journal)

Folks, we’re not in Kansas CALGARY - Chief Rick Hanson tells us how very proud he is of all those police officers who go above and beyond to track down an individual in the shooting of Jose Ribeiro Neto. (Sun Media)	'Weak-kneed' strategy AB working to end 'catch & release" system Bystander shooter arrested 'A very dark day in Calgary's history' Police boost firepower

Female officer's charges 'cruel' LETHBRIDGE - The association representing rank-and-file police officers in Lethbridge is criticizing a decision to pursue criminal charges against an officer who was suicidal at the time of her alleged offence. (Calgary Herald)	Officers earn new medals EDMONTON - One by one, their stories were told Friday afternoon at City Hall, of officers who displayed courage; intelligent, split-second decision-making and excellent police work beyond what was asked of them. . (Edmonton Journal)

Transit to make public statistics Calgary Transit says it will make crime data public and file reports to council at least annually after a Herald investigation published this weekend showed the statistics have never been shared with council or the public. (Calgary Herald)	Transit crime kept secret Northeast's C-Train line tops for trouble LRT parking lot crime hot spot Police reports reveal rising C-Train crime

Last call for rowdies EDMONTON - The Alberta government will introduce new regulations next month to curb binge drinking, a problem Premier Ed Stelmach says is getting worse and threatening community safety. (Edmonton Journal) PREVIOUS: Boyd buzzing mad Mob attacks officers 6 men face charges in mugging of police officer	Beating charges dismissed EDMONTON - Charges against two police officers accused of beating a man in their custody were dismissed Thursday. Constables Jay Reinelt and Alex Thomas arrested Komal Rhoda in April 2003 after he was found at an accident scene with no identification or paperwork for his vehicle. (Edmonton Journal)

Cocaine caused death EDMONTON - Provincial court Judge F.A. Day, who conducted the fatality inquiry into the case, found that Alessandro Fiacco, 33, had five times the lethal level of cocaine in his system, and it caused his heart to fail. (CP)	Police executive shuffle costly CALGARY - The city is paying $700,000 in severance to two top police officers who held executive positions for less than two years before being shuffled out of Chief Rick Hanson's new deck. (Calgary Herald)

Cops feared for their own safety EDMONTON - Two Edmonton police constables told an internal disciplinary hearing today that concerns for their own safety led them to handcuff and search a driver who was pulled over for a minor traffic violation. (Edmonton Journal)	Constable cleared EDMONTON - Two years after she was hit in the face by a city police officer and thrown to the ground in the middle of Stanley Cup playoff celebrations, Kristin Wilson said she is disappointed by a ruling Tuesday that the officer did nothing wrong. (Edmonton Journal)

Officers walk a fresh beat CALGARY - Ten years and 6,488 kilometres later, two Scottish police officers who trained together in Glasgow once again found themselves in the same recruit class -- this time, with the Calgary Police Service. (Calgary Herald) RELATED: Police adding armoured truck	Eight-year ordeal ends EDMONTON - The Edmonton Police Service has dropped all internal disciplinary charges against Const. Joe Slemko, a blood-spatter expert who defied orders not to testify for the defence as a private consultant in criminal cases and fatality inquiries. (Edmonton Journal)

Judge rules officer justified CALGARY - A police officer who shot and killed a Calgary man wielding a knife took appropriate action, a provincial fatality inquiry concluded. In January 2005, Const. Ian Vernon killed Harjinder Singh Cheema, 30, with a single bullet after Cheema repeatedly stabbed his wife and his mother-in-law. (CBC)	Police commission breached information act EDMONTON - The Edmonton Police Commission breached the provincial freedom of information act when it took nearly four months to process a simple information request from The Edmonton Journal about the salary being paid to the commission's executive director. (Edmonton Journal)

Charge against officer dropped EDMONTON - An assault charge against a city police officer was dismissed last week due to an administrative error. (Edmonton Journal)	Policeman target of gunfire CALGARY - An investigator working on a 10-month probe of a violent Calgary street gang was allegedly the target of a shooting outside a home last spring. (Calgary Herald)

Disciplinary hearings head online CALGARY - The internal disciplinary process for Calgary police officers is moving from behind closed doors onto the Internet. The Calgary Police Service will post notice of upcoming public disciplinary hearings on its website and plans to make decisions arising from the proceedings available to the public as well. (Calgary Herald)	Officers reinstated CALGARY - With just a week on the job as Calgary's top cop, Chief Rick Hanson is distinguishing himself from his predecessor, reinstating two officers accused of using excessive force during an arrest that was caught on video and led to a $400,000 lawsuit filed by the alleged victim. (Calgary Herald) PREVIOUS: Trouble in Paradise

New chief vows to make city safe CALGARY - The Calgary Police Service's new chief says he'll do "whatever's necessary" to make Calgary a safe city. The police service on Monday named Rick Hanson as the city's next police chief. (Calgary Herald)	Chief dumps deputies Police numbers boosted in core We can't afford another Beaton Calgary names new police chief Ex-deputy named chief of police Workers wary of violent Calgary Who is the man behind the badge?

Rulings open door for cameras EDMONTON - Two rulings in a high-profile Calgary police disciplinary case have opened the door to cameras in internal police hearings, and rejected a police chief's power to arbitrarily close hearings to the media and the public. (Edmonton Journal) PREVIOUS: Chief wrong . . .again Charges against officer tossed Calgary Police Commission	Promoting boss's son a bad idea EDMONTON - An angry Ed Stelmach vetoed an attempt by former solicitor general Harvey Cenaiko to promote the new premier's son within the provincial sheriff's branch without going through the normal promotion process. "As soon as Mr. Stelmach heard about it he said: 'Absolutely not. That is not going to happen." (Edmonton Journal)

Alberta apologizes EDMONTON - Former RCMP member John Hudak received a rare apology from Alberta's justice minister, seven years after he was falsely accused of sexual assault. (CTV) PREVIOUS: Branded for Life Justice denied for innocent cop	Police dump telemarketing firm EDMONTON - Police Chief Mike Boyd has ended the service's long relationship with a commercial sports and entertainment event marketing company that employed misleading representations in its telemarketing of so-called benefit fundraisers. (Edmonton Journal)

Officer charged with assault CALGARY - A 28-year-old Calgary police officer accused of using excessive force has been charged with aggravated assault a year and a half after being called to remove an unruly patron from a bar. (Calgary Herald)	Judge throws out case SHERWOOD PARK - A judge has reprimanded some Mounties, even accusing one of unlawful assault, over a case in which they charged three people with resisting arrest and related offences. (Edmonton Journal)

Firefighter morale report CALGARY - The city is launching an investigation to learn who crafted a recent survey suggesting fire department morale is at an all-time low and to hold the authors accountable for the "defamatory" report. PREVIOUS: Morale survey stirs up dire dept. talks	Man dies in police custody CALGARY - Calgary police are investigating after a man was found dead in a cell in the arrest processing unit early Sunday. Woodrow James Three Suns, 41, had been arrested on outstanding warrants and public intoxication around 7:35 p.m. Saturday at the Southland C-Train station. (Calgary Herald)

Police to tackle ethical practices EDMONTON - For the first time, Edmonton police officers are taking a page from doctors, lawyers and business students -- and will examine ethics issues. (Edmonton Journal) PREVIOUS: 'Problem is with the perception'	Officers scolded for arrests CALGARY - A judge has harshly rebuked several city police officers for their actions in the arrest of two men at their 100% Legit hip-hop clothing boutique on 17th Avenue S.W. more than two years ago. (Calgary Herald)

Book thrown at suspended officer EDMONTON - A police detective who admits he designed and distributed "no rats" T-shirts has been ordered to read a book about the police code of silence as a penalty for his discreditable conduct. (Edmonton Journal) MORE: Walking With the Devil: The Police Code of Silence	Police diverted to homicide beat Calgary's police investigators may be overloaded with a spike in slayings, but they say it's not weighing the homicide unit down. Three killings in six days and another suspicious death have detectives working around the clock. (Calgary Herald) MORE: Killings spark fears for safety

Hearing ends before it begins EDMONTON - An internal disciplinary hearing for Staff Sgt. Allan Pitts of the Edmonton city police was over this morning before it even really began. Pitts faced 23 charges of insubordination and a single charge of deceit. He pleaded not guilty to all of them in June. Pitts retired Nov. 17. (Edmonton Journal)	Drug raid ruling upheld CALGARY - Calgary's police chief meted out a "reasonable" punishment to a rookie constable whose mistakes led to a drug raid on the home of an innocent family nearly six years ago, the Law Enforcement Review Board has ruled. (Calgary Herald) COMMENT: Policing the police

Officer charged CALGARY - Investigators arrested Const. Dean Pankewicz on Thursday and charged him with breach of trust, hazardous storage of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, trafficking firearms and possession for the purpose of trafficking. (Calgary Herald)	Bar owner found not guilty CALGARY - A city bar owner who repeatedly provoked and punched a customer in the face, breaking the off-duty police officer's nose, has been acquitted of assault because the judge deemed he was acting in self-defence. (Calgary Herald)

No charges EDMONTON - The police officer who was photographed striking a handcuffed woman during Stanley Cup celebrations on Whyte Avenue last spring should not be charged, says the Crown prosecutor's office. (Journal) Full statement from Crown Prosecutor Cop was doing his job Woman demands $6M	Holding cell death stymies police AIRDRIE - Police say they still don't know why a 36-year-old woman died in an Airdrie RCMP holding cell under their care and are calling it a "tragic and unfortunate incident." (Calgary Herald) PREVIOUS: RCMP unit to probe death of woman in cell

'You're going to have to shoot me' EDMONTON - A man who was shot and killed by police while allegedly threatening them with a knife in March 2005 told officers they would have to pull the trigger to stop him, a fatality inquiry heard. (Edmonton Journal)	Parents of injured infant sue EDMONTON - A $14-million lawsuit has been filed by a shattered family in the wake of what has been called one of the worst police chases in recent years in Edmonton. (Edmonton Journal)

Police suspend officer in gun deal CALGARY - A Calgary police officer has been suspended over allegations he improperly bought handguns destined for destruction in the province's firearms amnesty. (Calgary Herald) PREVIOUS: Officer accused of buying amnesty weapon	Bad heart, drugs killed suspect EDMONTON - Toxicology tests have determined that a 25-year-old man who collapsed during a forcible and controversial July arrest died days later of heart disease worsened by drug use. (Edmonton Journal) PREVIOUS: Carjacking suspect dies in hospital Calgary cops to probe takedown

City force disciplines guilty cop EDMONTON - An Edmonton police officer was ordered to forfeit 40 hours of accumulated overtime after he pleaded guilty to discreditable conduct for hitting an abusive man who called him a "pussy." (Edmonton Journal)	Officer fined for running border CALGARY - A Calgary police officer has been fined $3,000 for bolting across the U.S. border without letting customs examine his newly purchased car. Paul Villecourt, 33, was fined after pleading guilty in provincial court Friday. (Calgary Herald)

Cops don't want to testify EDMONTON - Lawyers for two Edmonton police officers at their disciplinary hearing for neglect of duty and deceit say their clients are not compelled to testify. Michael Chwok and Alex Pringle said Friday that constables Elvin Toy and Shane Faulkner won't take the stand because all their evidence has been presented through the investigation. (Edmonton Journal)	Policy to shield police who tell CALGARY - Calgary police officers could soon be protected by a whistle-blower policy, allowing them to complain about corruption, corporate wrongdoing or other internal misdeeds without fear of retribution, says a police commission member. (Calgary Herald) MORE: Protect those tipsters Mounties retain jobs

Carjacking suspect dies EDMONTON - A man forcibly arrested on the weekend after an alleged carjacking and police pursuit through downtown Edmonton has died. Mark Milakovic, 25, died in University Hospital police said. (Edmonton Journal) PREVIOUS: Calgary cops to probe takedown	Lawsuit EDMONTON - An Edmonton man shot six times by police has filed a $1-million lawsuit alleging an angry officer fired his weapon to retaliate after his police dog was stabbed. (Edmonton Journal) PREVIOUS: Chief clears city cop Man shot by police Kirk Steele

Suit alleges bullying in elite city police unit EDMONTON - A city police officer has filed a $900,000 lawsuit against the force claiming he was bullied and harassed while a member of its tactical unit. (Edmonton Journal)	Alberta won't try to replace RCMP CALGARY - The RCMP will remain the province's police force after its contract expires in 2012, but officials said mounting costs mean negotiating a new agreement won't be easy. (Calgary Herald)

Officer killed in highway crash EDMONTON - It was a drive Darryl Vandenberg had made many times before. From his family farm in Camrose, he would make the long drive daily to downtown Edmonton, where he worked as a police officer. (Edmonton Journal)	Officer gets 35-hour suspension EDMONTON - An Edmonton police officer has received an official reprimand and a 35-hour suspension without pay for investigating a complaint on behalf of his father and impersonating another officer. (Edmonton Journal)

No trial for accused dog stabber EDMONTON - Charges have been stayed against the woman accused of stabbing her German shepherd in the head with a butcher knife, requiring the dog to get 80 to 90 stitches. (Edmonton Journal) PREVIOUS: Suspect shot after police dog stabbed	A Pillar of Strength amid grief EDMONTON - Stretching out his left arm, four-year-old Spencer Gordon brought a torch close enough to light an eternal flame Tuesday in honour of his late father and 89 other Alberta police officers who have died in the line of duty. (Edmonton Journal)

Forced testing EDMONTON - Police and other emergency workers will soon be able to seek court orders compelling people who bite them to be tested for HIV and other communicable diseases. (Edmonton Journal)	Police probe officer fatigue CALGARY - Calgary's police department has launched a sleep study to determine how fatigue impacts officers on the job. (Calgary Herald) RELATED: The dream of sleep Early risers rule Move over, Daddy

Robbing the robbers EDMONTON - Const. Jeff Resler knows the 100 most dangerous places in Edmonton to buy a slushy. It's a list he works through every day as he and a detective lead a new frontier in robbery investigation - prevention. (Edmonton Journal)	Body armour saved officer's life EDMONTON - A protective Teflon plate may be the reason Edmonton police Const. Daniel Furman wasn't killed by a bullet that hit him in the chest. (Edmonton Journal) PREVIOUS: Routine call turns deadly Shootout leaves one man dead

Officer cleared in fraud scheme CALGARY - Veteran police officer Kirk McCallum was duped along with the rest of his investors, and therefore is not guilty of running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded 59 people out of $1.5 million, a Court of Queen's Bench judge ruled Thursday. (Calgary Herald)	Some officers upset McCallum found not guilty Police held to a higher standard Officer to be tried for alleged fraud Fraud mastermind jailed seven years

City, police may run photo-radar jointly EDMONTON - Edmonton's Police Commission has recommended the city take over photo radar operations, replacing a controversial American company that has been criminally charged with offering secret commissions to two city police officers. (Edmonton Journal)	Dallas company in Edmonton court Photo-radar scandal grows Affiliated Computer Services RCMP probe into photo radar contracts Payments may have lasted six years Cops, radar firm face charges Cops took favours for six years, says RCMP Case for speed cameras destroyed in a flash

Jack spent more than $200,000 CALGARY - Former Calgary police Chief Jack Beaton spent more than $200,000 of taxpayer money to pursue a defamation suit against the authors of two anonymous websites that criticized his leadership, the Herald has learned. (Calgary Herald) Former chief loses in court CPS vs. Shah	Chief's final chapter Pomp and circumstance Police chief, officers face lawsuit Long goodbye has worn thin Beaton defends 'long goodbye' Court rules against police chief Police chief faulted over hearing Message from Chief Jack Beaton 'Junior' service raises concerns
Calgary cops' new #1 talks the talk Jack's last gasp Beaton revives case against officer Police told to renew vision Security remains a tough sell Police weigh earlier start to recruiting It's time soft chief got tough with crime Beaton promises new approach to recruiting Police spent $110,000 chasing new recruits Chief's hiring foray Jack's Folly Chief's hiring foray hits language barrier Calgary's strongman	Retired officers sue for pensions Calgary called to action against crime Beaton leery of 'vigilante' tactics 1st class of Alberta Guardian Angels graduate Police chief rethinks retiring Unrevising History The King is Dead. Long Live the King Put your hands in the air and step away from the microphone Police suspend off-duty bar patrols Beaton blamed Police commission needs transparency Police chief settle with couple
Alberta Solicitor General Website gagged Calgary Police chief goes to court to seize computer from civilian employee Police held to higher standard Held to a higher standard All bluster and spin Judge orders documents from chief's lawsuit released Injustice Busters: Calgary Police Captain's Quarters: Calgary Stampeding free speech David Ross: Police Censorship in Canada Small Dead Animals: Life in a police province Chief rejects demands to write more tickets	Calgary Police Service News Release Website attacking police boss reappears Police Chief furious over web attack Travesty of Justice plays out in Calgary Time to go for Chief under fire Loyalty missing in chief’s leadership More arrests after police chief says gangs "A fact of life in Calgary" The bath is getting crowded Chief Jack ain't done yet $5,000 to chief doesn't end fight Police chief silences website critics A commission in need of repair Alderman won't back Durrant Police ordered to write more tickets

Police chief apologizes CALGARY - After nearly eight years, the longest running complaint against the Calgary Police Service has ended with a rare public apology from the chief to a family who was the victim of a botched drug raid. (Calgary Herald) See no evil, hear no evil - do nothing Police challenge proves costly	LERB Decisions: Killian Review Board shares shame with Chief Deputy chief caught up in dispute Stench from apparent police cover-up won't go away Botched drug bust under review Innocent family terrorized by grow-op raid Botched raid battle expected to end

Tim Goodwin's Letter CALGARY - Whistleblower Tim Goodwin in a letter to Solicitor General Forsyth points out that the practice of conveniently ignoring problems for reasons of political expediency is an issue that should be properly addressed before further tragedy and unnecessary death occurs. (Sept. 23, 2004)	Police watchdog 'forgot' drunk report Independent review of Calgary police sought Deputy Chief's memo Cops accuse Calgary chief of ignoring racism Suit alleges police racism Officer's complaint third in year

Chief responds to public fatality inquiry report STATEMENT BY CHIEF JACK BEATON: Last week I received Judge F.L. Maloney's report to the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General concerning the public fatality inquiry into the tragic deaths of Amy Kauffeldt, Gareth Hackett and Constable Brian Hanson on June 19, 1999. (CPS Media release - Aug. 22, 2004)

CAJ calls for public inquiry into police targeting of journalist OTTAWA - The Canadian Association of Journalists is calling for a public inquiry after a journalist and police commission chairman were targeted by Edmonton police in an unwarranted drunk driving sting. (CAJ) Investigation Report R2005-IR-001 .pdf	Hearing begin into Overtime stakeout EDMONTON - The first hearing before the Law Enforcement Review Board involves the dismissal of a charge of discreditable conduct against Insp. Bryan Boulanger. (Edmonton Journal) Cops have to give up Overtime stakeout info

Armed man told tactical team waited outside STONY PLAIN - A decision to inform an armed man that an RCMP tactical team was outside his home immediately spurred him to try to flee, a fatality inquiry heard Friday. (Edmonton Journal)	Police 'powerless' when dealing with mentally ill Mountie saw killer level rifle at him Officer rammed car before he was shot: inquiry Rebuilding the RCMP

Fired chief suit settled for $500,000 EDMONTON - Former Edmonton police chief Fred Rayner will receive $500,000 to settle a wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the Edmonton Police Commission. (Edmonton Journal)	Spurned Chief candidate sues city Debate over who polices cops a national one Police scandal hits Edmonton; top cop on leave Fraser Institute: Options for Policing in Alberta


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