UPDATE: Public trust cited as reason for historic inquiry into Calgary police perjury, assault case
An investigation by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has resulted in charges being laid against two Calgary Police Service officers, including the new Calgary Police Association president, Sgt. Les Kaminski.
Kaminski was charged Tuesday with one count of assault with a weapon and one count of perjury.
He’s been released on bail.
Const. Brant Derrick was charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm and was granted a conditional release.
In a news release, ASIRT said the charges arise out of the use of force during the arrest of Jason Arkinstall on Aug. 31, 2008 in Calgary, as well as the evidence given during the man’s January 2011 trial in which he was accused of uttering threats against Const. Derrick.
Arkinstall was acquitted following the trial.
ASIRT said the charges were laid after consulting with the Crown.
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It said their investigation into “serious and sensitive allegations of assault and perjury” began Feb. 7, 2014.
Speaking with Global News in a Wednesday phone interview, CPA vice president Mike Lomore said it “isn’t reasonable” to “hold discipline over our officer’s head for eight-and-a-half years.”
“It’s traumatic for them, for their families, their reputation being be-smudged — and they are just allegations, that’s all. That’s a terrible thing to go through.”
“Unfortunately, this is a jeopardy some officers suffer for being a police officer nowadays. Simple as that.”
Last Wednesday, the Calgary Police Association (CPA) held a news conference to introduce Kaminski as its new president.
He stated he wanted to make sure officers have a voice as the police service works to address internal issues and challenges police officers are facing in the city.
Both CPS officers are scheduled to appear at Calgary provincial court on Feb. 7, 2017.
Kaminski returned calls from Global News. He is adamant he is anxious to tell his side of the story but said he isn’t able to comment at this time. He pointed to an unblemished 30-year career.
“From the commission’s perspective, these criminal charges do not reflect the vast majority of highly professional and dedicated CPS members who work hard to preserve the safety of our city,” Calgary Police Commission chair Brian Thiessen said.
As a result of the perjury charge against Kaminski, there is some suggestion – specifically by lawyer Tom Engel – that all previous cases he has testified at should be reviewed by the Solicitor General.
Global News asked Alberta Justice about that, but officials declined to comment, saying it’s inappropriate to do so because these are unproven allegations at this point.
WATCH: Supt. Steve Barlow of the Calgary Police Service says upon review CPS should have performed an internal investigation when complaints against two officers came forward.
The Calgary Police Service said a review of the matter was conducted after the trial and determined no further action was required.
However, Supt. Steve Barlow said, “in light of the Crown’s findings, and in hindsight, the (Calgary Police) service should have conducted a formal investigation at the time.”
WATCH: CPS Supt. Steve Barlow says at the time complaints came forward a review was done, but that’s different than an investigation.
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