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Disciplinary decision for LPS Sgt. in “Meme Gate” adjourned

Feb 2, 2022 | 2:32 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – It will be another few weeks before an LPS Sergeant learns his fate.

Evidence was presented at a disciplinary hearing Wednesday morning for what has been referred to as “Meme Gate.”

In 2018, five members of Lethbridge Police Service used a private group chat to share offensive texts and memes with each other.

“The communications, which were found to be offensive and against LPS policies, targeted the LPS Executive, other officers and society in general,” reads a statement from LPS.

The sergeant pleaded not guilty to one count of discreditable conduct in November 2021. At that time, he pled guilty to two counts of discreditable conduct, two counts of neglecting duty, and one count of insubordination.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the Presiding Officer decided to reserve his decision and adjourned that matter to February 23. At that time, he is expected to deliver his finding.

In total, five officers were charged with misconduct under the Alberta Police Act and Police Service Regulation in relation to the meme group incident. Matters have already been concluded for the four other officers involved. Two Constables, who pleaded guilty to two counts of discreditable conduct and one count each of insubordination and neglect of duty in November 2021, were demoted within rank by two grades for one year. Two additional Constables resigned in November 2021.

READ MORE: Two LPS officers in “meme gate” controversy demoted

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