By Bryn Hadubiak

Local MLA returns to police service temporarily

Jun 10, 2014 | 6:29 PM

Prince Albert-Carlton MLA Darryl Hickie is once again a constable of Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS), but questions of possible conflicts of interest is bringing him under fire by the Opposition.

There are issues of transparency that have to be dealt with, said John Nilson, the NDP’s justice critic.

“Part of the issue for us is local people saying ‘how does this work? How is it that my MLA can investigate me or issue a ticket?’” said Nilson.

“What’s an issue for me is that as an MLA, you have access to certain information that maybe shouldn’t go to the police, and also as a police officer, you have access to all kinds of identity information, criminal records that will affect your job as an MLA.”

Hickie announced in April he wouldn’t seek reelection for 2016, and would return to police service following the end of his term.

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Although Hickie was unavailable for comment, Premier Brad Wall responded in a statement saying Hickie is training for his eventual return to active duty.

“I am certainly comfortable with a temporary arrangement and his continued focus on the constituents of PA Carlton while retraining and recertifying,” Wall said in a statement.

“Should Mr. Hickie decide to return to active duty at the conclusion of his retraining later this month he will be stepping down as an MLA.”

Hickie took a leave of absence from the police service while sitting as an MLA, but because the police don’t have casual or part-time officers, Hickie is required to be a full-time member of the service, said Prince Albert Police Chief Troy Cooper.

“If at some point Darryl decides he’s going to seek another leave of absence this fall or sometime in the future, then of course we’d respect that decision,” said Cooper.

“(We’d) place him in positions and give him assignments that reflect that desire that wouldn’t put him into a position of conflict.”

Hickie will be in public from time to time, but not on active police duty, Cooper pointed out.

“That can’t be avoided, he needs to relearn and brush up on skills on the use of police equipment, report writing and legislative changes. He will be with a training officer while that occurs,” explained Cooper.

“For the most part he’s been dealing with use-of-force training and internal training.”

During this time, he will also be receiving a pay cheque.

Hickie was a constable of the Forensic Identification Unit with the police service, and a past president of the city’s police association before he became an MLA.

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On Twitter: @brynhadubiak