Edmonton Police Watch

(Copyright Edmonton Journal 2006)

EDMONTON - An Edmonton police officer on Thursday pleaded guilty to one count of insubordination after she failed to report her use of a Taser.

Const. Renee Martynuik used the Taser on Phillip Chalifoux more than two years ago, on April 1, 2004. Police policy requires officers to note the use of force in a witness statement and to complete a control tactics form, citing deployment of the Taser. Martynuik did neither. She was charged March 14 with one count of insubordination under the Police Act.

The public disciplinary hearing will continue on May 11, where Martynuik will learn what penalty she will face.

(Copyright Edmonton Journal 2006)

Police officers more likely to face charges following citizens’ complaints

EDMONTON - A precedent-setting ruling by the provincial Law Enforcement Review Board will force Edmonton’s new police chief to charge more officers accused of wrongdoing.

“This is a major victory that will cause a major change in the way police are disciplined in this province,” said Laura Stevens, president of the Criminal Trial Lawyers’ Association.

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