Assault charge laid against Prince Albert officer

Prince Albert Police Service has laid a criminal charge against one of their own after a multi-level review and investigation.

In July they looked into the alleged use of pepper spray by an on-duty female officer against a man being held in their detention area.

That officer now faces a charge of assault with pepper spray for the July 8 incident.

As of Tuesday the officer is on administrative leave, meaning she’s been removed from service with pay. 

Deputy Chief Kelly Stienwand shared this information at a media conference on Tuesday, saying it is in keeping with their practice of publicly sharing investigations that lead to criminal charges.

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He explained the different levels of investigation started when “we ourselves reported this alleged conduct of the officer” to the Saskatchewan Public Complaints Commission in July.

This was done to ensure “an independent review was conducted,” Stienwand said.

The officer was reassigned during the investigation, and her administrative leave was ordered on Tuesday.

Following the independent review the Ministry of Justice recommended the assault charge for the officer’s use of pepper spray, which is considered by police to be a use of physical force.

“This process will balance both the public interest and the fairness for the member until the process takes its course… The evidence will be presented in a public forum and she is entitled like anyone else before the courts to a presumption of innocence through that process,” Stienwand said.

Police will provide no more details, including the officer’s age or name.

However, that will come forward at the officer’s Jan. 15, 2015 court date.

claskowski@panow.com

On Twitter: @chelsealaskowsk