Edmonton police sergeant given reprimand for off-duty impaired driving; fifth such disciplinary case since 2023
An Edmonton Police Service sergeant has been given a reprimand after admitting to drunk driving, with the hearing officer taking note of a 'significant number of similar cases within the service.'
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Sgt. A.B. — so identified because police do not reveal the names of officers given reprimands — admitted to a single count of discreditable conduct under the Police Act on April 16.
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According to a disciplinary decision released Wednesday, the 20-year EPS veteran was pulled over by Beaumont RCMP just before midnight July 29, 2023, while off-duty and behind the wheel of his personal vehicle. A.B. had been driving 20 km/h over the speed limit near Range Road 241 and Highway 625 and blew a 'fail' on a breathalyzer.
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Fred Kamins, the retired RCMP superintendent who heard the case, accepted a joint submission from lawyers for the chief of police and Sgt. A.B. The two sides recommended a formal reprimand, which will stay on A.B.'s file for five years.
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While he agreed to the proposed punishment, Kamins said it was 'on the lighter side' of penalties he might usually impose, but credited the officer for his 'co-operation, early pleas and acceptance of discipline.'
Sgt. A.B.'s case is not the first impaired driving matter to come before Kamins in recent years.
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Including Sgt. A.B., five officers have been found guilty of unprofessional conduct in the past year-and-a-half for driving under the influence, for incidents that occurred between 2021 and 2023. Three decisions were released in December 2023 — one resulting in an unpaid suspension and two reprimands, including in a case that led to criminal charges — while a fourth officer was handed a reprimand in May 2024.
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Kamins said the number of recent cases 'suggests the need for general deterrence' of other officers.
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In a statement, EPS spokesperson Carolin Maran said the service 'takes impaired driving seriously' regardless of whether it involves a member of the public or an employee.
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'While even one incident is too many, this is not indicative of an ongoing trend,' she said, noting the time period over which the incidents took place.
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A.B. was charged under section 88.1 of the Traffic Safety Act and given an immediate 90-day licence suspension, followed by a year-long suspension with the option of participating in the ignition interlock program. He was also ordered to take a 'planning ahead' course and pay a $1,000 fine.
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Global News
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THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. 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CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Woodall's namesake school marks 10th anniversary of officer's death
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