Negative memes behind recent police suspensions
Lethbridge Police Service has confirmed the five employees who have recently been suspended with pay are all police officers. Edmonton Police Service, who investigated the matter, meanwhile confirmed to Bridge City News that the suspensions are in fact due to some memes depicting the former administration in a negative light. Edmonton police confirm that in December of last year the completed investigation was sent back to LPS for review and disposition.
Now Alberta’s Justice Minister says he wants an action plan from our city’s police chief in order to restore public trust. The Chair of the Police Commission along with Lethbridge Police Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh met with Justice Minister Kaycee Madu this week to discuss the recent misconduct within our city’s police service. Bridge City New spoke with Police Commission Chair Rob van Spronsen who says the chief is making it clear there will be serious consequences to recent actions.
“I think the focus has to be on making sure that we ensure that proper investigations are taking place – that there’s due process,” says van Spronsen. “That’s what the chief has eluded to, that’s his commitment to making sure that there’s a full investigation so that he has all the facts in front of him when he makes his decision regarding discipline. And he’s made it very clear too that where the investigation has indicated that there are members who have breached professional conduct that those members will be held accountable from those actions.”