SASKATOON — Following a lengthy investigation by SPS Professional Standards, it was announced Wednesday that three members of the Saskatoon Police Service have been dismissed as unsuitable for police service under The Police Act, 1990.
SPS say two constables with nine and 10 years of service, and a special constable with two years of service, were among five officers suspended following an off-duty gathering in September 2024. The two others returned to work in April 2025, following an investigation.
“The actions we’ve taken here today reflect our commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability, and demonstrate that no one is above the expectations of this organization or the trust placed in us by the community,” said SPS Chief Cam McBride.
While the Professional Standards investigation into the incident has concluded, the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) is continuing to investigate one aspect of the incident.
“The decision to dismiss a police officer is never made lightly, but is necessary when the conduct falls short of the standards our community expects and deserves. This marks the end of a long investigation into the off-duty conduct of five members of the SPS. While the events that occurred precipitated the need for investigation, the investigation expanded to include additional allegations of misconduct. My commitment to uphold our values and code of ethics is firm,” McBride said.
“Maintaining public confidence is foundational to our work. I didn't imagine it would take this long, but every step of the way, I was assured that the appropriate measures were being taken. I have complete confidence in the investigation summary that was provided to me.”
Initially, five officers were suspended, but two were reinstated and returned to work in April of this year and will not face further disciplinary action. One officer was dismissed several weeks ago, while the two were dismissed Tuesday morning. The identities of the officers and their assignments at the time have not been disclosed. One dismissed officer has filed an appeal, according to SPS.
McBride added that part of the investigation, which included several witness interviews, involved allegations of a pre-existing relationship. He did not provide further details but said the investigation was thorough.
He said SPS has introduced a new policy expanding an existing conflict-of-interest framework to include undesirable associations that may pose risks to the service and undermine public trust. The policy was prompted by the incident and reinforced by the investigation, emphasizing the importance of upholding standards while valuing public trust.
In a statement issued Wednesday afternoon, SPS noted media reports of support for suspended members and concerns about impacts on other employees. The reports also raised questions about the integrity of undercover operations.
“I recognize the concern the incident and subsequent investigations raised in our service and in the community. The public trust and well-being of all our members remain our top priorities. A service is challenged when even one of its members strays from that commitment, but I am dedicated to leading an organization that upholds the Code of Ethics we have all sworn to,” McBride said.
There have also been three other suspensions involving unrelated investigations in November 2024, and January and February of 2025, SPS said. A 22-year sergeant suspended in November 2024 was dismissed in March 2025. Two other investigations are ongoing, and the members remain suspended.
Under Section 61 of The Police Act, 1990, dismissed members have the right to appeal. If an appeal occurs, there would be a public hearing before an independent hearing officer designated by the minister responsible for The Police Act, 1990.
“We know that public trust is rooted in transparency, and we are committed to sharing the conclusion of the ongoing investigations and appeal processes when they are concluded,” McBride said.
