Announcement Concerning the Upcoming Hearing

In light of a media advisory released by the Lethbridge Police Commission earlier yesterday pertaining to an upcoming hearing involving the Chief of Police, the Lethbridge Police Service would like to offer the following clarification: A disciplinary hearing has been set for next month regarding an appeal of a complaint against the Chief of Police, which was previously dismissed as frivolous and vexatious. In 2022, the former Deputy Chief submitted a letter of complaint to the Minister of Justice, alleging discreditable conduct against the Chief.

This matter was referred to the Lethbridge Police Commission, which then directed the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) to conduct an investigation. The EPS investigation uncovered 16 allegations, concluding that 10 of them were either time-barred under the Police Act or that the complainant lacked the standing to file a complaint. The Commission deemed the remaining six allegations to be frivolous, vexatious, and unsupported by evidence. In 2023, the complainant appealed to the Law Enforcement Review Board (LERB). In 2024, the LERB ruled it lacked jurisdiction to address the 10 allegations that were either time-barred or made by someone without standing under the Police Act. It affirmed the dismissal of three allegations as frivolous and vexatious and instructed the Lethbridge Police Commission to hold a hearing regarding the remaining three allegations. As indicated in the Commission's release, the public hearing is slated for 9:30 a.m. on April 17 in the Culver City Room at City Hall. The Notice of Hearing can be found on the Commission's website.

During this hearing, the Presiding Officer will consider allegations that the Chief violated a public health order concerning cohorts during the COVID-19 pandemic by taking a civilian member out for lunch, denied responsibility when approached by the complainant, and brought discredit to the Service by participating in a press conference about holding LPS employees accountable for breaching public health orders while he himself was not adhering to them. As this matter is ongoing, no additional information or comments will be provided to maintain the integrity of the process.

LPS