For the second time in just over a week, a Saskatchewan police officer is under investigation by the province’s Public Complaints Commission (PCC).
This time, the inquiry is into a member of the newly formed Saskatchewan Marshals Service (SMS).
The PCC is made up of five non-police members and investigates complaints against municipal police, conservation officers, Highway Patrol officers, Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods officers, and community safety officers.
According to a SMS spokesperson, the accused marshal has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
No details have been released about the specific complaint or the date it was filed.
Set to launch this summer, a full year ahead of schedule, the SMS has authority across Saskatchewan.
It will focus on high crime areas, gangs, and illegal weapons, and will also investigate offences related to farming, such as cattle, crop, and farm chemical theft, as well as trespassing that damages crops.
The SMS is based in Prince Albert and will eventually have 70 sworn officers at an annual cost of about $20 million.
Its first class of marshals is expected to be sworn in on April 24.
Sask NDP has voiced concerns, calling the SMS wasteful and accusing it of stealing experienced officers from existing police forces.
Earlier this month, Regina Police Service (RPS) Chief Farooq Sheikh was also removed temporarily after a complaint was filed against him.
While that investigation continues, RPS Deputy Chief Lorilee Davies is acting chief in Regina.
