Prince Albert’s Police Chief notes that the Police Association’s vote of non-confidence in him follows closely behind an investigation into the initial response to a call for service at a home where 13 month old Tanner Brass died. Jonathan Bergen says in a written statement that the police association is critically important and helps inform policy and practices, and communication with and from the Association is essential to the work the police service does. However, he says the issues raised last week were not brought up with him or raised through a grievance process, as required through the collective agreement, despite regular opportunities for discussion.

The original investigation after the toddler’s death was to examine the initial response, and then that was expanded by the Public Complaints Commission and two members were suspended. The investigation also includes a PCC review of the actions of three supervisory officers. The Chief adds that a previous vote occurred in 2020, soon after an investigation was ordered, to be led by the PCC about a physical arrest that raised concern. Then later that year, the police service engaged an external consultant to conduct an independent review into the internal health of the organization. Each of these investigations, has been in line with legislation that governs policing standards.

Click here for the complete statement.  Statement by Chief Bergen March 16, 2022