Edmonton Police Watch

(Copyright Edmonton Journal 2006)

Harvey’s Cenaiko renewed interest in setting up an independent agency to handle serious complaints against police is welcome. But the Alberta Solicitor General should consider broadening the agency’s scope if he really wants to fix the problems that arise when police investigate themselves.

Cenaiko says he’s looking at the Ontario model of a civilian investigation unit for cases involving serious injury or death of citizens in police custody. That’s a start. While that model had its growing pains, an independent civilian agency would give Albertans more confidence that complaints about police conduct are reviewed in an impartial manner and with adequate concern for accountability to the public.

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(Copyright Edmonton Journal 2006)

Alberta warned to be ready for criticism from public and police

EDMONTON - Alberta should expect glitches, charges of coverups and bungled investigations, and be prepared to endure a long adjustment period if it follows Ontario’s example by creating an independent agency to investigate police misconduct, community and police organizations in that province say.

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(Copyright Edmonton Journal 2006)

Deaths, injuries in police custody may get new system of reviews

EDMONTON - Alberta’s solicitor general wants independent detectives to investigate cases where people die or are seriously injured while in police custody, and he will look to the country’s police chiefs for guidance in creating a new system, his office said Monday.

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By ELIZA BARLOW , EDMONTON SUN

An unwritten code of silence that dictates “cops cover for cops” is
entrenched even in internal affairs departments, a former Minneapolis
cop told an Edmonton gathering of police watchdogs yesterday.

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(Copyright Edmonton Journal 2006)

Suspect caught in 2003 break-in has charges stayed

EDMONTON - The mother of a teenager who complained he was unnecessarily Tasered by a police officer declared victory Tuesday after a judge threw out all charges against her son.

“I think you have to stand your ground,” she said.

“You have to speak honestly and openly about your treatment without a lot of fear because … you’re going up against a lot if you go up against police when they have acted inappropriately.”

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(Copyright Edmonton Journal 2006)

Is six the magic number?

I fail to understand why Kirk Steele had to be shot six times in order to be rendered inoffensive, especially since the dog had already bitten him.

The Taser has worked in the Edmonton Police Service’s favour in the past.

I was outside Scotia Place July 1 just after noon when I saw three police cars and six officers take away one drunk, who was barely more than five-foot tall. His male companion was co- operating with the officers and was trying to control his friend’s behaviour.

Who is in charge of the EPS? Donald Rumsfeld?

Marie-Jose Pang, Edmonton