EDMONTON — Edmonton Police Service confirmed on Thursday that Mike Wasylyshen has been promoted from constable to sergeant, in spite of his criminal and disciplinary record.
In 2005, while off-duty, Wasylyshen drunkenly assaulted a man on crutches on Whyte Avenue. He also took a swing at a security guard. He later pleaded guilty to two counts of assault and was fined $500.
In 2012, Wasylyshen was found guilty of excessive force and suspended for 120 hours without pay for a 2002 incident when he tasered 16-year-old Randy Fryingpan eight times in 68 seconds, while the teen was passed out in the back of a suspected stolen car.
READ MORE: Penalty for Edmonton constable who used excessive force on a teen
Police chief Rod Knecht defended the promotion on Thursday, saying Wasylyshen is a changed man.
“I know that Mike has turned his life around,” Knecht said. “Part of the reason we went the way did was, drinking issues, the man doesn’t drink anymore. He’s got a family now, he’s stable. He hasn’t had any problems for 10 years.
“I don’t think you can punish someone forever.”
Knecht also said this was not an easy decision, but one that required “lengthy deliberations and discussions.” He added that he would never have condoned Wasylyshen’s behaviour 14 years ago.
The Edmonton Police Service released the following statement in relation to the promotion:
“All EPS officers are held accountable for their conduct, and the matters involving this member have been dealt with previously under the Police Act and are on record as being resolved. These matters were also considered as part of the promotion process.
The EPS promotion process involves an in-depth assessment, and includes a written exam, behavioural interview, as well a review by the management team/promotion board and EPS Professional Standards. This member, as well as numerous others, went through a fair and balanced process, demonstrated their competencies, and proved themselves ready for promotion.”
Wasylyshen is the son of former Edmonton police chief Bob Wasylyshen.
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