Prince Albert police Chief John Bergen speaks during a virtual press conference on March 2, 2022. (Prince Albert Police Service/Livestream)

By paNOW Staff

REBUILDING TRUST

P.A. Police Chief responds to FSIN comments, saying trust needs to be rebuilt

Mar 2, 2022 | 6:00 PM

The Chief of the Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) said trust needs to be restored in the community after a baby died in a home in West Hill.

Chief John Bergen held a press conference Wednesday afternoon, following a call for change from the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC).

Earlier in the day, executives with the two organizations demanded an independent inquiry and that two Prince Albert police officers be terminated.

This stems from a homicide that took place on February 10 where officers were initially called to a domestic dispute at a home on 23rd Street near Second Avenue West. Police took one person into custody, which Bergen confirmed was the mother.

However, the officers returned hours later after receiving reports of a homicide of a child.

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When they arrived at the house for the second time, officers found a 13-month-old boy deceased and arrested the father who has since been charged with second-degree murder.

Bergen said the two officers who responded to the call were junior members of the force with about five years of experience combined.

He added as of now, those officers are still with the PAPS.

“Once we have the information that comes from the investigation then we’ll be in a situation to assess that information and assess whether discipline is appropriate and what discipline that would be.”

Following the death, Chief Bergen ordered an investigation through the Saskatchewan Public Complaints Commission which he said could take months.

Bergen also instituted a structural change within the PAPS, promoting Sgt. Lisa Simonson to the role of inspector where she will oversee patrol, which includes four staff sergeants, eight sergeants, and more than 30 constables.

During the FSIN press conference Wednesday morning, Chief Bobby Cameron gave an ultimatum to Prince Albert police saying that if those officers involved did not have the right training, they shouldn’t be there. He added if Chief Bergen did not terminate those members, he himself should resign.

Bergen said he heard the message loud and clear and acknowledged trust has been broken with the police service and members of the Indigenous community. He added they are committed to build back that trust.

“As we work through and understand the details of the shortcomings of the Prince Albert Police Service, not just this one call for service, we’re going to be in a better position to build back that trust.”

“We need to look across the entire organization and do better in all areas and make sure we’re paying attention to all details. As we focus on aligning our practices to the policies in place, to align our practices to the legislation that govern us, we’re going to build on that trust that has been called into question.”

Meanwhile, the Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners issued a statement Wednesday saying they fully support an independent review of the policy and standards in the police service.

“The board is also aware that the Criminal Investigation Division of the Police Service investigated this homicide and charged Tanner’s father with second degree murder. Those charges are now before the courts,” said Chairperson Darcy Sander in a release.

“As a board, we continue to wait for more information from the results of the independent PCC investigation already underway so that we can all understand what happened and how operations at the Prince Albert Police Service can be improved moving forward.”

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow