New Calgary Police Service standard operating procedures will underline the importance of staying neutral when officers relay information about members charged with crimes, the chief said Tuesday.
The policy comes from Chief Roger Chaffin after a former police officer raised concerns over the characterization by an acting superintendent of three Calgary Police Service (CPS) members charged with kidnapping and assault.
“I know these officers personally, I’ve worked around them and they’re excellent officers and incredible people,” said Acting Supt. Don Coleman during an August news conference, when asked about the three members charged. “They really have served the public well and are some of the most dedicated and committed people you’ll ever want to meet.”
Former police officer Jennifer Magnus raised concerns about Coleman’s description of the trio during September’s meeting of the Calgary Police Commission.
“Why are police officers not keeping their opinions to themselves when all officers are charged and waiting until the courts or ASIRT (Alberta Serious Incident Response Team) determines their guilt or innocence before they publicly speak?” Magnus asked.
Calgary Police Commission chair Brian Thiessen said he was also curious as to why Coleman gave the commentary he did.
“I can tell you members of the commission are interested as well in what kind of standards we have, how we have a consistent practice at the CPS level of communication,” Thiessen said in September.
“I don’t think it’s inappropriate for the service to report on it. But I think a commentary on the past history of officers is probably a step too far.”
READ MORE: Former Calgary police officer questions praise for trio charged with kidnapping
On Tuesday, Chaffin wouldn’t say Coleman’s comments went too far but did say the new policy direction will provide “strict guidance” for officers to “stay to the facts” going forward.
“We just want to make sure the supports stay in that realm and don’t go beyond that.”
READ MORE: Calgary police say kidnapping, assault charges laid against 3 officers are ‘just allegations’
Commission chair Thiessen said the community has expectations of the police service to be impartial in all its dealings.
“We expect, as a public, that CPS members will be objective even when they’re investigating their own,” Thiessen said. “I know that the chief and the executive are dedicated to that and I know that the service members are dedicated to that.”
In August, Det. Reagan Hossack, an 18-year member of the CPS, was charged with kidnapping. Sgt. Mark Schwartz, a 16-year member of the service and Det. Paul Rubner, a 25-year member, were charged with kidnapping and assault. The charges stemmed from an interaction with a man during an investigation into the exploitation of an at-risk youth in 2010. The matter is still before the courts.