Two Edmonton Police Service officers have been charged with assault in connection to a 2023 incident, according to a statement released by the EPS on Tuesday.
Constables John Smith and Sarah Johnson have been charged with one count of assault each, following an investigation by the EPS Professional Standards Branch.
The incident in question occurred on June 15, 2023, when the two officers responded to a call regarding a disturbance at a local bar. The complainant, who has not been identified, alleged that they were assaulted by the officers during the arrest.
The EPS immediately launched an investigation into the matter, and both officers were placed on administrative leave pending the outcome.
After a thorough investigation, the EPS determined that there was enough evidence to lay charges against the two officers. They have since been released from custody and are scheduled to appear in court on January 15, 2024.
In a statement, EPS Chief James Brown expressed his disappointment in the actions of the two officers, stating that their behavior does not reflect the values and standards of the EPS.
“We hold our officers to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, and any behavior that falls short of that will not be tolerated,” said Chief Brown.
The EPS has also launched an internal review to determine if there were any policy or training issues that may have contributed to the incident.
The EPS is committed to maintaining the trust and confidence of the community, and will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure that its officers uphold the highest standards of conduct.
The EPS encourages anyone who has been a victim of police misconduct to come forward and report it. The EPS Professional Standards Branch can be reached at 780-423-4567 or through the EPS website.
The EPS has not released any further details about the incident, as the matter is now before the courts.
