Calgary police officer faces 3 perjury charges

A Calgary police officer is facing perjury charges after an investigation by the province's police watchdog uncovered accusations of false documents and court testimony.

"Const. Joseph Barton was arrested and charged with three counts of perjury," the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) said in a release Thursday.

ASIRT said the charges are connected to family court proceedings between Barton and a former domestic partner.

• Calgary officer accused of lying under oath previously charged and disciplined, court docs show

It's also alleged that, on three different dates, Barton affirmed two false affidavits and gave false testimony in court.

ASIRT began the investigation April 11, 2019.

In an email, Calgary police spokesperson Mike Nunn said Barton had been with the service for 6½ years and most recently worked in an administrative position.

"The officer charged by ASIRT has been relieved from duty with pay pending review," Nunn said.

Barton is scheduled to appear in court July 24.