4.4 professional standards branch monthly report – may 2014

Professional Standards Branch June 19, 2014, Open Meeting

Statistical Summary 2 Disciplinary Action Taken Against Members 6 Pending Disciplinary Hearings 7 Delayed Officer Notifications 9 Completed Complaints of Service 10 Compliments 11 Awards and Recognition 14

Professional Standards Branch

May 2014 Edmonton Police Service

In partnership with our citizens we will build safe communities through leadership and policing excellence


STATISTICAL SUMMARY

May Update

1. RECEIVED FILES

The following figure shows the number and type of files received during the month of May. Blue colours represent informal files and red colours represent formal investigations. Lighter shades indicate internally generated files and darker shades indicate externally generated files. As can be seen below, during the month of May, PSB received 81 informal files and 15 formal complaints.

Figure 1-1. Type of Files Received During May

The following figure shows the yearly percentage increase or decrease in formal complaints and total files compared to 2013 values. The increase in total files represents an increase of 18 files (9 internally generated complaints and 9 publicly generated complaints).

Figure 1-2. Yearly Changes in Files Received

> 5% Decrease 0-5% Decrease 0-5% Increase > 5% Increase

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2. CURRENT WORKLOAD

The following figure displays the status of all open PSB files. As of May 30, 2014, PSB had 414 open investigations; 222 of those files are Police Act or statutory investigations. The remaining files are informal concerns received internally or from the public. An investigation is listed as “Suspended” when it is not currently being advanced. Reasons for suspending a file may include executive review of the investigation, disciplinary hearings, criminal investigation, or court proceedings. An investigation is listed as “Forwarded” when it is ongoing but not under the control of PSB. Reasons for forwarding a file may include supervisory reviews, obtaining legal opinions, or investigation by outside investigators.

Figure 2-1. Status of All Open Investigations and Reasons for Suspension or Forward

The following figure shows the age and status of all open PSB investigations. Each individual marker (i.e., diamond, circle or triangle) represents one investigation; thus the number of open investigations from a given time period is indicated by the density of the markers.

Figure 2-2. Age and Status of All Open Investigations

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The following figure shows the stage of investigation for formal complaints by month. The stages of investigation include: - Clarification (interviewing the complainant to determine the specific details of the

complaint); - Collection (collection of evidence and witness interviews); - Subject Officer Interviews (explanatory reports and/or interview of the subject officer); - Report (compiling the final report); - Investigative Review (review by the investigative manager); - Executive Review (review by the Inspector, Chief, and final concluding processes). Investigations may also be pending other processes (e.g., dispute resolution, legal review, hearing, etc.) or may be undetermined (e.g., for complaints that are not proceeding to formal investigation).

Figure 2-3. Monthly Comparison of Complaint Stages

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3. CONCLUDED FILES

The following figure shows the disposition of all files concluded during the month of May, including 1 Statutory complaint, 19 formal complaints, 34 Citizen Contacts and 7 EPS Matters.

Figure 3-1. Dispositions of Concluded Files

2012 2013 2014 May YTD May YTD May YTD

Received Complaint 20 87 15 88 15 106 Citizen Contact 55 294 68 296 72 306 EPS Matter 12 48 11 47 9 36 Total 87 429 94 431 96 448

Concluded Complaint 18 66 31 131 19 95 Citizen Contact 36 252 35 362 34 286 EPS Matter 4 41 11 63 7 36 Total 58 359 77 556 60 417

Figure 3-2. Three-Year File Comparison for the Month of May

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DISCIPLINARY ACTION TAKEN AGAINST MEMBERS 1. File Number: IA2010-0707 Complainant: EPS Date of Complaint: August 24, 2010 Subject Officer: Reg. No. 2038 Cst. G. Thursby

• Unlawful or Unnecessary Exercise of Authority x 1 • Deceit x 1

Presenting Officer: M. Sallaberry, Edmonton Police Service Presiding Officer: Supt. T. Grue, Edmonton Police Service

On May 01, 2014, by way of an Agreed Statement of Facts, the officer was found guilty of one count of Deceit and the charge of Unlawful or Unnecessary Exercise of Authority was withdrawn. The officer was issued a reduction in seniority from a Senior Constable Level II Step 9 in the pay scale under the collective agreement to a 4th Year Constable Step 4. The officer was also instructed to present himself to the Human Resources Division for the purpose of scheduling attendance on his own time at the next series of lectures given to the recruits of the Edmonton Police Service on the topic of report writing and court processes.

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PENDING DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS

1. File Number: IA2011-0094 Date of Complaint: February 01, 2011 Subject Officer: Constable A.B.

• Deceit x 1 Presenting Officer: D. Morrow, Bennett Jones LLP Presiding Officer: Supt. T. Grue, Edmonton Police Service Open Disciplinary Hearing is scheduled for June 25, 2014.

2. File Number: IA2012-0537 Date of Complaint: July 11, 2012 Subject Officer: Constable A.B.

• Discreditable Conduct x 1 Presenting Officer: M. Sallaberry, Edmonton Police Service Presiding Officer: Supt. M. Logar, Edmonton Police Service First Appearance is scheduled for June 26, 2014.

3. File Number: IA2012-0249 Date of Complaint: April 04, 2012 Subject Officer: Constable A.B.

• Unlawful or Unnecessary Exercise of Authority x 1 Presenting Officer: T. Magee, Edmonton Police Service Presiding Officer: Chief Supt (Rtd.) F. Kamins Open Disciplinary Hearing is scheduled for June 26, 2014.

4. File Number: IA2013-0317 Date of Complaint: April 27, 2013 Subject Officer: Constable A.B.

• Discreditable Conduct x 1 Presenting Officer: G. Rice, Edmonton Police Service Presiding Officer: Presiding Officer M. Logar Open Disciplinary Hearing is scheduled for June 26, 2014.

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5. File Number: IA2009-0981 Date of Complaint: October 05, 2009 Subject Officer: Constable A.B.

• Deceit x 2 Presenting Officer: D. Cranna, Field Law Presiding Officer: Presiding Officer T. Grue Open Disciplinary Hearing is scheduled for September 08-10, 2014.

6. File Number: IA2011-0669 Date of Complaint: December 02, 2011 Subject Officer: Constable A.B.

• Unlawful or Unnecessary Exercise of Authority x 1 • Neglect of Duty

Subject Officer: Constable C.D. • Unlawful or Unnecessary Exercise of Authority x 1

Presenting Officer: B. Hill, Edmonton Police Service Presiding Officer: Presiding Officer M. Logar Open Disciplinary Hearing is scheduled for September 18, 19 and 22, 2014.

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DELAYED OFFICER NOTIFICATIONS

Professional Standards Branch is currently delaying the notification to Subject Officers in three (3) PSB Investigations.

1. File Number: PSB2014-0110

Justification: File is currently under investigation by ASIRT





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COMPLETED COMPLAINTS OF SERVICE (Section 44 Police Act)

There were three (3) Complaints of Service under Section 44 of the Police Act that were resolved or concluded during the month of May 2014. 1. Concluded by the Chief of Police

File Number: PSB2013-0020 Date of Complaint: January 9, 2013

2. Concluded by the Chief of Police File Number: PSB2013-0590 Date of Complaint: July 24, 2013

3. Resolved through PSB

File Number: PSB2013-0939 Date of Complaint: November 29, 2013

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COMPLIMENTS

During the month of May, thirteen (13) letters of appreciation were entered by the Edmonton Police Service. Professional Standards Branch would like to present three (3) of these letters. 1. My name is (deleted), and I'm the acting President of the Mill Woods Community Patrol. Before my promotion to this rank, a jolly man named (deleted) led the MWCP with pride and integrity. Unfortunately, he suffered a massive heart attack and passed away on March 27th, 2014. I write this letter to commend the acts and services of three officers who stood by the members of MWCP and Executive Committee like strong supportive pillars. Sgt. Shawn Corrigan, Volunteer Coordinator Lawrence Jansen and Cst. Pritpaul Bhui handled the news of (deleted) death with grace and sensitivity. From informing the executive members of MWCP, to organizing an immediate meeting and snacks as well to mourn his death and share the information with all members of MWCP, SECCP, CPRN and other organizations; the trio were nothing but caring and helpful. Nobody likes bad news, and delivering it is an uncomfortable job that comes with lot of maturity and responsibility. (deleted) untimely death was like a shock to anyone including EPS members. He patrolled with us as part of CAT deployment on 22 March and reported two stolen vehicles. He had given so much of his passion and life to volunteering with EPS and other organizations that news of his passing away hit like a bullet. The solemn phone call I received from Cst. Bhui was respectable and understanding. He chose his words carefully and offered kind words to feather the blow. Organizing a grave get-together at the Southeast Station at the shortest possible notice by Sgt. Corrigan and Cst. Bhui was a big deal for the Executive Committee of MWCP. The snacks were available for the gathering and these three gentlemen were taking care of every person present in the room. Moreover, they arranged the services of Victim Services Unit as the majority of the individuals in MWCP took the news very hard. The VSU volunteers were available in the room as well and were also available as stand by for few days in case any member needs help. It was amazing to see the compassion shown by Sgt. Corrigan and Cst. Bhui and give us their valuable time and support. Lawrence Jansen, who is a very busy man, was available any time of day to help out in any way he could. The same was informed to all the members present in that room that in case anyone needs help please do not hesitate to call Sgt. Corrigan or Cst. Bhui. All three devoted more time and energy than was expected of them, and deserve recognition for their efforts. The handling of the situation as sensitively as possible, attend funeral; to me, these actions are not those of ordinary people, but an extraordinary set of individuals who must be praised if not rewarded for their efforts to make the world around them a better place. Through this letter, I have hopefully communicated my greatest thanks to Sgt. Corrigan, Cst. Bhui, and Mr. Jansen. My respect for these individuals, and indirectly the members of the Edmonton Police Service has grown tenfold.

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2. To whom it may concern: We have the police training at a vacant house at the end of our block. We have walked past on a couple of occasions and have bumped into the police and they have been so great about making us feel comfortable. This evening we were walking around our neighbourhood and they were there again but they are there training so much it is like they are just part of the neighbourhood now !! Here is the thing. This evening one of the people who live on our street went over to them and was giving them a hard time, something about them disrespecting her deceased grandmother’s home. They were very polite and respectful when they were not being shown any respect. The rest of the neighbours like them being here!! It is neat to see police in action and our area has never been safer! There are little kids in the area and what better way to show them who the police are and what they do to keep us all safe. Please let them know how welcome they are and thank them for doing what is so often very thankless work. Many thanks, 3. Sir: Thank you again for suggesting S/Sgt. Sean Armstrong to co-present with me at the University of Alberta Hospital and Association of Canadian Trauma Nurses Annual Trauma Symposium on the issue of “Domestic Abuse”. The Symposium brought together about three hundred front-line trauma nurses and EMTs, the very people who will be front-line responders to victims of domestic abuse. We structured the presentation so that S/Sgt. Armstrong spoke about the signs of domestic abuse and the resources available for victims, including EPS resources and community agencies, while I discussed legal issues for health care providers dealing with domestic abuse issues. S/Sgt. Armstrong’s presentation was excellent. He built an immediate rapport with the audience, then provided a thorough presentation on the substantive issues which demonstrated his expertise in the area. The practical information and advice he provided was exactly what the attendees needed to be able to work more effectively with domestic abuse victims, and to help them access the services available. He is an engaging speaker, and managed to convey both professionalism and compassion – exactly the image that the EPS would want to convey in its efforts to tackle domestic abuse. It was a pleasure to present with him, although having to speak following him was an intimidating experience – he sets the bar very high.

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I know the organizers were very grateful to have S/Sgt. Armstrong attend. When I left he was speaking with some of the senior administrators at the University of Alberta Hospital about how to bring together hospital, EPS and community resources to better serve domestic abuse victims, so I rather suspect that there will be multiple benefits that come out of his attendance. In short, I thought S/Sgt. Armstrong did a great job as an ambassador for the EPS today. I would appreciate if you could pass these comments along to his supervisors, who should know what an excellent job he did. Respectfully,

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AWARDS and RECOGNITION Throughout the year, Divisional Commanders have opportunities to reward EPS members, both sworn and non-sworn, for significant performance, including acts of heroism, the conduct of significant investigations, the use of sound officer safety techniques, quality customer service and generally work that is particularly well done. Rewards and recognition are intended to reinforce appropriate behaviour, acknowledge employee commitment and stimulate creative thinking and virtuous actions by all members of EPS. Professional Standards Branch would like to highlight one of the recognitions bestowed upon a member of the EPS over the last few months. 1. The Superintendent in charge of West Division is pleased to award a Favorable Notice to Reg. No. 2702 Constable James Shaw, Reg.No.2926 Constable Pauline Ulmer, Reg. No. 3418 Constable Rick Taylor, and Reg. No. 3589 Constable Keegan Everett of West Division Patrol. On Feb. 26, 2014, Constables Shaw, Ulmer, Taylor, and Everett, responded to the report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon their arrival they found a female slumped in the driver’s seat, unresponsive to all attempts to wake her. The members recognized she was in medical distress and due to the close proximity to the Misercordia Hospital the decision was made to place the female in the back of Shaw and Everett’s vehicle. The female was so limp that it took 3 members to lift her and carry her to the police car. The female was gasping and making gurgling noises so Ulmer rode in the back of the police car supporting the female’s head to keep her airway open. Upon arrival at the hospital, the female stopped breathing and appeared to suffer a cardiac arrest. It was determined that she had overdosed on drugs and was given a shot of anti-overdose medication, which immediately reversed the effects of the overdose and she regained consciousness. Saving the life of another human being is no small thing and Constables Shaw, Ulmer, Taylor, and Everett, did just that with their quick thinking and immediate action.

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Edmonton Police Service Professional Standards Branch

Location

6th floor, CN Tower

10004 – 104 Ave Edmonton, AB

T5J 0K1 421-2676

Fax: 421-2287

In partnership with our citizens we will build safe communities through leadership and policing excellence

4.4 professional standards branch monthly report – may 2014

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