Premier Jason Kenney called it “appalling” and Lethbridge’s police chief said Tuesday it was “embarrassing” after two officers were demoted for stalking and NDP cabinet minister..“This conduct is completely unacceptable. It’s deeply disturbing that police officers used their powers for private purposes in unauthorized surveillance of an elected official,” Kenney tweeted..“I am appalled that MLA (Shannon) Phillips was subjected to this, & thank Min. Schweitzer for taking swift action.”.Phillips thanks the premier for his backing..Thank you, (Premier), I appreciate this support. This isn’t about me, it’s about our community safety and I’m grateful you see that, too,” Phillips replied..The pair were commenting after reports Monday two veteran Lethbridge police officers had been demoted for using the police power to stalk Phillips after she blocked accesses to ATVers into the Castle mountain area when she was the NDP environment minister in 2017..In a statement Lethbridge police chief Scott Woods said the situation was “embarrassing” for the force..“The actions for which these officers – Sgt. Jason Carrier and Cst. Keon Woronuk – were disciplined cannot be excused. The fact that they admitted to the charges of misconduct indicates that they acknowledge this reality. But acknowledging the wrong-doing does not take away the embarrassment and shame that has been brought upon the LPS by their actions, nor does it mitigate the justified anger and profound disappointment of Ms. Phillips and others in our community who have a right to expect so much better from their Police Service,” Woods said Tuesday..“While I am deeply disappointed in the actions and attitudes of the officers, I do take some consolation in knowing they have been held accountable. .“The two officers have been sanctioned for their individual misconduct, but all of us in the Police Service will bear the consequences. It now falls to us to regain the trust of the community that has been lost as a result of their actions.”. scottwoodsLethbridge Police Chief Scott WoodsCourtesy Youtube .Carrier was on-duty but on a meal break with two other officers when Phillips entered the Chef Stella Diner to meet informally with stakeholders on Good Friday of that year..Carrier texted the acting sergeant Woronuk that Phillips was at the restaurant and sent him a photo. Woronuk arrived at the diner a short time later..Both cops had an interest in quadding..As the two officers left the diner Woronuk said to Carrier that he, “would hate to see Phillips drive away from the restaurant and there was a reason to stop her.”. POLL: Many Albertans say they will ignore Christmas COVID lockdown .Woronuk also set up surveillance and subsequently following one of the stakeholders while running a police information check on them..Woronuk found a nearby position of surveillance of the diner and Carrier took position at nearby parkade with a view of the diner, according to agreed facts entered at the hearing. Phillips eventually left the diner on foot..“The intent of Const. (Keon) Woronuk to target an attendee of Minister Phillips’ meeting is truly troubling,” stated the LPS disciplinary hearing’s presiding officer Paul Manuel, a former Calgary Police Service inspector..“I cannot see any purpose for such an action.”.Woronuk later posted photos of the meeting on a Facebook page under the name “Mike Corps” which included identifying the stakeholders and, “was accompanied by a long caption criticizing Minister Phillips and her NDP government.”.Phillips and NDP justice critic Kathleen Ganley called on Monday afternoon for Alberta Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer to order an independent, out of province investigation. Phillips said the investigation is needed to see if the corruption is “more broad” within the LPS..“Tonight I was informed of two Lethbridge police officers who had been conducting an unauthorized surveillance of MLA Shannon Phillips in 2017. I share in the outrage being expressed by many following this news.,” said Schweitzer, in a statement later that evening..“To say it is completely unacceptable that members of the police would conduct unauthorized surveillance of any Albertan – in particular an elected official – is an understatement. Law enforcement is entrusted with a great deal of power, so it is particularly egregious when that power is abused. .“The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has been ordered to conduct a comprehensive review of the professional standards investigation to determine if there are grounds for a criminal investigation. .“I have instructed my department to arrange for an out-of-province prosecutor should ASIRT require legal advice in conducting its investigation, including the determination of laying charges.”.Woronuk, a 19-year veteran, admitted to five charges under the Police Service Regulation including two counts of corrupt practice and a single count each of deceit, discreditable conduct and insubordination..He was demoted from senior constable to first-class constable for two years..Carrier, a 23-year veteran, admitted to discreditable conduct and neglect of duty and was demoted to senior constable for one year..Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com.Twitter.com/nobby7694
