By Lara Fominoff @LaraFominoff on Twitter

LPS releases annual Professional Standards Unit report

Mar 1, 2018 | 10:33 AM

LETHBRIDGE – There were fewer public and internal complaints made against the Lethbridge Police Service in 2017, as compared with 2016.

Those findings were presented at the city’s Police Commission meeting by Sgts. Pete Christos and Rusty Lawrence.

The information, contained in the Professional Standards Unit report indicates that in 2017 there were 13 official public complaints in which 26 allegations were made. The allegations include three counts of discreditable conduct, one of insubordination, 11 of neglect of duty, one policy allegation, and 10 unlawful/unnecessary/inappropriate use of force allegations. 

According to the report, when a complaint or allegation against an officer is made, the Police Chief is required to have it investigated, and at its conclusion, he will determine if there is enough evidence that “if believed, could lead a reasonable and properly instructed person to convict the police officer at a disciplinary hearing.”

Out of all the allegations, 13 were dismissed, six were resolved informally, four are still under investigation, two were withdrawn and one is pending a provincial review. No disciplinary action has been taken against any officer stemming from any public complaint in either 2016, or in 2017.

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According to the report, there were also two internal complaints involving the conduct or performance of an officer in 2017, while in the previous year, there were seven.

The allegations involved insubordination and neglect of duty. One allegation was sustained in part, and one is still under investigation pending disposition. In these instances, actions taken include and official warning, and a forfeiture of hours against one member.

In 2017, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) was contacted twice by LPS, however, only one investigation was initiated, and Chief Rob Davis is waiting for the results and the final report.

There were also eight statements of claims against Lethbridge Police last year. All of those matters are being managed by the City of Lethbridge Risk Management department, while there were also three Law Enforcement Review Board Appeals initiated (LERB). One of those matters relates to an incident in 2013, the LERB has scheduled a hearing to take place Mar. 1, 2018.

There have also been many compliments initiated by citizens and members of the community, according to the report. in 2017, there were 85 compliments, while in the two years prior, there were 109 and 110 compliments received.