Officer reprimanded for improperly accessing data

The Lethbridge Police Service has reprimanded an officer for improperly accessing information within a police database.

An internal investigation was conducted upon the conclusion of an Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) investigation into allegations of improper data access involving former MLA Shannon Phillips in 2018.

Earlier this year, ASIRT exonerated a civilian employee and three officers who were named in Phillips’ original complaint, but noted in their findings there were reasonable grounds to believe that two officers – one who is no longer employed by LPS – may have committed criminal offences by accessing the data. 

ASIRT forwarded the matter to the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service, which determined the test for prosecution was not met and the individuals would not be criminally charged. 

In June, members of the LPS Professional Standards Unit conducted an internal investigation into the conduct of the serving officer. The investigation determined the officer had seen posts on social media involving the former MLA and accessed a file containing her information to determine if there had been any misconduct by LPS personnel related to the posts. After finding no evidence to connect any employees to the posts, there was no further action taken by the officer.

In his disposition Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh noted the reasons for the search do not excuse or justify the conduct, and the officer’s actions were unauthorized as he was not acting in compliance with policy or legitimate instruction from a superior officer in conducting the database inquiry. 

Mehdizadeh subsequently found the officer guilty of discreditable conduct and insubordination. He was sanctioned by way of a reprimand, to remain on his record of discipline for a period of three years. 

The Chief’s decision was based on evidence gathered by the Professional Standards Unit, including a statement by the officer. This information was not available to ASIRT or considered in their findings, as the officer was not required to provide a statement to ASIRT investigators and chose to exercise that right.

Pursuant to Section 45 (4.1) of the Police Act, Mehdizadeh’s decision in the matter is final and there is no process to appeal. 

LPS releases the above information within the public interest, to ensure transparency and accountability to our community. As this is a personnel matter, the name of the officer will not be disclosed.

With the exception of a civil suit that remains before the court, the complaints by former MLA Phillips against the LPS are now concluded. 

LPS has no further comment and there will be no media availability in relation to any of the Phillips’ matters.