ESTEVAN - An Estevan Police Service member, who is already facing criminal charges stemming from an incident last year, is now charged with an additional offence.
The provincial Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) announced late in 2024 that it had laid charges against the officer, after the EPS had notified SIRT of an allegation of interpersonal violence involving the member. The officer was arrested by SIRT investigators and charged with assault, uttering threats and mischief under $5,000. All charges are under the Criminal Code.
The officer was released with conditions and was placed on non-uniform, administrative duties by the EPS.
Estevan Police Chief Jamie Blunden said the officer has since allegedly breached one of his release conditions, was arrested and charged accordingly by SIRT, has been relieved of his duties and is on a paid leave. Under the Police Act, the police chief said he is in the process of trying to extend the relief of duty, but Blunden will have to appear in front of a hearing officer.
A date for the hearing has not been scheduled, but Blunden hopes it can happen within the next week.
The police chief said the officer is under a paid leave because it is the standard and viewed as the best practice in the province.
"It's very difficult to relieve an individual of his duties without pay considering everyone is allowed to have due process," said Blunden.
The officer is scheduled to make his first appearance in Estevan Provincial Court on Jan. 20.
Since he has not appeared in court as of yet to answer to the charges, his name cannot be released.
Â鶹´«Ã½ will have more information on this case as it becomes available.
