Sask. NDP call for ombudsman investigation into complaint against Marshals employee
Employee resigned from marshal service and an investigation into a complaint was completed but not released
The official Opposition has written to the province's ombudsman calling for an investigation into the Saskatchewan Marshals Service and the resignation of one of its employees.
Jordan McPhail, the NDP's associate corrections, policing and public safety critic, wrote the letter on Monday.
In a copy of the letter obtained by CBC News, McPhail said an investigation should look at the overall conduct of the marshal service, the conduct of the officer that was under investigation and the responsibility the minister has to the public and transparency involving the service.
"We want to make sure that the people of of Saskatchewan have a minister and a government that is being accountable and that is keeping public trust at its highest level in the policing services that they've created here," McPhail said in a phone interview.
McPhail said the ombudsman has the ability to restore public trust in the newly created marshal service.
In a statement issued on Monday afternoon, Justice Minister Tim McLeod slammed the NDP's letter.
"It is both inappropriate and irresponsible to attempt to politicize a process specifically designed to be free from political interference," McLeod said.
Sharon Pratchler, the province's ombudsman, said in a statement Monday that her office has jurisdiction over complaints relating to the Saskatchewan Marshal Service. She would not confirm the nature of any complaints.
Lack of details released to public
Last week, CBC News broke the story that a Marshals employee was placed on administrative leave before the policing service was even up and running had resigned from the service.
The nature of the complaint was never made public, but in April it was confirmed that it was being investigated by the Public Complaints Commission (PCC).
The PCC is a five-person civilian body appointed by the provincial government that investigates and reviews complaints against police.
On Wednesday, the PCC confirmed it had completed its investigation. It said it provided the results to the marshal service, as required by Saskatchewan's Police Act.
Cara Burrows, the director of communications for the marshal service, told CBC News, said the organization takes allegations involving member conduct seriously, but would be unable to "provide further information due to privacy and personnel matters."
Burrows did confirm the employee resigned from his role with the service.
On Friday, the NDP called fir McLeod, minister of corrections, policing and public safety, to release the PCC report.
It highlighted how the province has previously released the findings of PCC investigations or entire PCC reports in the past.
"McLeod needs to think long and hard about the message he will send if he chooses to hide this report," said NDP Justice Critic Nicole Sarauer.
In a blistering statement, the Government of Saskatchewan refused. The NDP is attempting to "mislead the public" saying the release of previous PCC reports were the result of "extenuating and exceptional circumstances," it said.
The government added that McLeod does not direct the day-to-day operations of the Saskatchewan Marshals Service or the PCC.
"The NDP should understand that it would be inappropriate to interfere with the independence of the PCC by politicizing the decision to release the findings of investigations," the statement from the provincial government read.
"They should apologize to the SMS and the PCC for disrespecting their dedicated service."
The Saskatchewan Marshals Service swore in its first class of recruits at the end of April and began operations in May.
Marshals are expected to focus on rural crime, finding high-risk offenders and people with outstanding warrants, and assisting RCMP, First Nations and municipal police services.
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