The Saskatchewan Police Commission has been tasked with investigating workplace-related concerns at the Estevan Police Service (EPS), according to a news release issued July 8.
The news release states the inquiry will primarily consist of fact-finding interviews focused on workplace culture, health and well-being supports for police officers; the role and responsibilities of the chief of police and the Estevan board of police commissioners; and what effect these factors may have on the quality of police services in Estevan.
Margherita Vittorelli, a spokesperson with the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, said the inquiry was initiated at the request of the Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers and the Estevan board of police commissioners.
Members of the community have also reached out to express their concerns on this matter, she said.
“This inquiry will gather information from all involved parties,” said Vittorelli.
Warren Morrical, who is the acting chief of police for the EPS, said that as the inquiry is currently being conducted by the Saskatchewan Police Commission, it would be inappropriate for him to provide any specific details regarding its background or current status of the investigation.
“I can advise that the EPS administration was aware that the inquiry had been directed prior to the media release being disseminated … and that both management and staff at EPS are fully supportive of the approach in which the inquiry is being conducted and will facilitate its successful conclusion in any way possible,” Morrical wrote in an email.
Mayor Roy Ludwig, who is the chairperson of the police board, said he welcomes the inquiry and its findings.
At the conclusion of the inquiry, Vittorelli said the Saskatchewan Police Commission will provide a report to the minister and the police board. The report may include a number of recommendations.
Commission inquiries are targeted to situations where standards, competency, adequacy and suitability are the main concern, she said.
The affected parties were notified of the inquiry on July 7, the day before the news release was issued. The inquiry is expected to last into the fall.
“There will be no disruption to the delivery of policing services within the community,” Vittorelli said.
The announcement of the inquiry comes nearly three months after the resignation of former police chief Paul Ladouceur. A search for Ladouceur’s replacement is ongoing.
Subsection 89(1) of The Police Act, 1990 states that, subject to the approval of the Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, the Commission may hold an inquiry into any matter that is related to the standard of policing and law enforcement provided within a municipality.
The Saskatchewan Police Commission works with police services and boards of police commissioners to promote effective policing throughout the province. The commission is empowered to conduct audits and reviews, and to provide information to boards of police commissioners.
The commission is the final appeal body in disciplinary and dismissal matters.
The police commission has appointed Regina-based lawyer Aaron Fox to conduct the inquiry. Vittorelli said Fox was selected because he is a qualified and well-respected member of the local legal and police community.
