June 7, 2023
Edmonton, AB — Following is a statement from Kevin Halwa, Director, Prairie Region, National Police Federation, in response to a June 3, 2023, early-morning on-duty incident between an Innisfail RCMP Member and two local motorists:
“As detailed separately by the RCMP, a June 3, 2023 motor vehicle stop and subsequent arrest of two subjects in Innisfail was based on strong suspicion the driver was intoxicated from the officer’s observations of dangerous driving. The accused are now facing various charges, including assault of a police officer, resisting arrest, dangerous operation of a vehicle, and refusing a breath demand.
A family member of one of the accused has chosen to vent sensationalized allegations of misconduct by the arresting Member of the RCMP, to the media.
Policing is heavily regulated in Canada. There are numerous complaint processes available to members of the public in the event they feel that a police officer’s actions were not appropriate or justified. All these processes incorporate independent, thorough, and transparent evidence-based investigations.
The third-party complainant, who presents themselves as a member of the legal profession, would know this but chose to publicly shame the officer who has no opportunity to explain the situation without compromising ongoing criminal matters before the Courts.
This is a clear attempt to harm the reputation of the responding Member, in addition to the physical assault and injuries they received as a result of this vehicle stop and arrest.
We thank the Member for their patience, professionalism, and commitment to public safety during an unnecessarily tense and dangers situation, and we wish them a speedy recovery from their injuries.”
About the National Police Federation:
The National Police Federation (NPF) represents ~20,000 RCMP Members serving across Canada and internationally. It is the largest police labour relations organization in Canada and second largest in North America. We are focused on improving public safety in Canada for our Members and all Canadians by advocating for investment in policing and other related supports and services. This includes calling for required resourcing, equipment, and supports to enhance community safety and livability in the communities we serve, large and small, across Canada.
For more information: https://npf-fpn.com/
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Media contacts:
Fabrice de Dongo
Manager, Media Relations
[email protected]
(647) 274-7118
Sarah Kavanagh
Coordinator, Media Relations
[email protected]
(604) 842-6864
