Lethbridge officer accused of excessive force on teen

Lethbridge Regional Police have suspended an officer over allegations he used excessive force while arresting a 16-year-old boy.

The incident took place Dec. 29, while the officer was investigating a hit-and-run complaint in the Lakeview area on Lethbridge’s south side and encountered a 16-year-old boy.

“It was the belief of the officer, and somewhat substantiated, that the offender had been a passenger in the vehicle that was involved in the hit and run,” police Chief Tom McKenzie said.

A struggle broke out between them as the officer tried to arrest the teen for public intoxication. Police said the boy’s head struck the back of the police car as the officer was putting him in the back seat, resulting in two chipped teeth.

Professional standards investigators launched an internal probe into the officer’s conduct after police received a complaint in February 2013.

Investigators sent their findings to a Crown prosecutor, who recommended the officer be charged with assault causing bodily harm and unlawful confinement.

“Policing is a complex profession. Our members respond to calls without knowing a lot about the circumstances until they arrive. As a result, they’re required to make split-second and often difficult decisions,” McKenzie said.

“The responsibility entrusted to us to carry out our duties is something we don’t take lightly and we understand the public demands that we be held to a higher standard.”

Const. Norman Smith, 33, is scheduled to appear in Lethbridge provincial court Sept. 9.

“I’m confident the justice system will sort out the facts of this case and reach the appropriate resolution,” McKenzie said.

Smith, who has been a Lethbridge police officer for four years, has been relieved from duty with pay pending the outcome of the criminal case and an internal disciplinary hearing.