Union supports accountability

Re: “Police unions should consider public interest,” Temitope Oriola, April 21

Prof. Oriola drew a line from Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) officers being suspended in relation to an investigation regarding their response to a call for service, and a vote of confidence on the chief of police. The professor said that the union had a 95 per cent non-confidence vote on the chief “arguably in whole or partly due to the decision of the chief to suspend the two officers.” The professor went on to imply that the union is against any disciplinary measures.

I just want to set the record straight. In June 2020, there was a vote of confidence on our chief. At that point, 71 per cent had no confidence in the chief. In the interim, our chief has been unable to adapt his management style in a way that would increase the confidence of our membership.

It is true that the members have been disappointed by comments the chief has made on behalf of the police service, not just in response to the Feb. 10 incident, but other times as well.

But for clarity's sake, the vote of confidence was held March 3, and the members were suspended March 10.

There are many issues which led to the recent vote of confidence, primarily some of his decisions, and also the declining mental health of our members, which is a result of his decisions. Discipline, however, is not driving the issue. I won't comment on the current investigation as it is ongoing, but the union understands the need for transparency in policing and support the public complaints commission and their role in ensuring that transparency.

If the professor wants to make a statement regarding police accountability, I don't think he should be using our officers as an example, as there has been nothing to support that we are against such accountability.

Josh Peterson, president, Prince Albert Police Association