PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. – Prince Albert police have 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.
Deputy Chief Kelly Stienwand declined to name the officer but says she has been charged with assault with pepper spray. She has been placed on administrative leave with pay.
Stienwand says the investigation started when “we ourselves reported this alleged conduct of the officer” to the Saskatchewan Public Complaints Commission in July.
He says it was done to ensure an independent review was conducted. The Ministry of Justice recommended the assault charge.
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“This process will balance both the public interest and the fairness for the member until the process takes its course,” said Stienwand. “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.”
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