Regina Board of Police Commissioners
The following is being shared on behalf of the Regina Board of Police Commissioners:
Public Complaints Commission Investigation Complete
Police Chief Farooq Sheikh contract terminated
The PCC has completed the investigation and reported its findings to the Board. The Board, as the civilian oversight body responsible for the Chief of Police, has reviewed the report and accepts the findings. We respect the integrity of the investigation process and thank the Public Complaints Commission for their thorough work.
The Board recognizes the Complainant’s sensitivity to being identified publicly. We do not see it necessary to specify the Complainant’s name and leave that decision to them.
The complaint was based on allegations of misconduct and inappropriate communications between Chief Sheikh and the Complainant while the Complainant served as a member of the Board of Police Commissioners. The allegations were investigated as two possible major discipline offences under Section 36 of the Municipal Police Discipline Regulations.
Firstly, the complaint alleged that the Chief improperly used his position to influence or impact the Board member in two ways:
- The first was during Board deliberations regarding amendments sought by the Chief to his employment contract. The PCC recommended that these allegations be concluded as unsubstantiated.
- The second centred around an allegation that the Chief used influence that affected the Board member’s continued appointment to the Board. The investigation reported no evidence that the Chief exercised any improper influence in that regard.
Secondly, the PCC investigated an allegation of the major discipline offence of Discreditable Conduct. The PCC recommended that this be concluded as substantiated. This means the PCC was satisfied that the investigation evidence showed the Police Chief acted in a manner that is unbecoming of a Chief of Police and
in a way that is dishonourable to the Regina Police Service. The investigation evidence showed that Chief Sheikh engaged in inappropriate private communications with the Complainant over several months that demonstrated a significant and continuing lapse in professional judgment and conduct inconsistent with Regina Police Service core values.
Key evidence pertaining to these private communications included:
- Ongoing communications between the Chief and the Board member were kept from other members of the Board and the Regina Police Service.
- The Chief and Board member engaged in an exchange of text messages during, and related to, an in-camera discussion from which the Chief had been excused while the Board discussed amendments to his contract.
- Chief Sheikh suggested to the Complainant that text messages between them be deleted as discovery of their communications became at risk.
- The Chief later characterized the nature of the communications to a member of the Board and to the PCC investigator in a manner that seriously offends the core RPS values of integrity, transparency and accountability.
- Overall, the Chief did not take responsibility for his conduct.
Based on the investigation findings, the Board has made the decision to terminate Chief Shiekh’s employment contract with cause. The Board feels strongly that a change in leadership is necessary to ensure continued public trust and confidence in the Regina Police Service.
The Board is confident in the leadership that Deputy Chief Davies has provided as Acting Chief, and she will remain in this role for the present time.
The Board understands this situation has been difficult and complex and recognizes the impact on those involved. The investigation’s conclusion is important, not only for those involved but also for the broader community. The Board and the public care deeply about the integrity of our police leadership.
This situation also emphasizes the importance of individuals feeling safe and supported when bringing forward concerns about the Regina Police Service or its members. A system of independent review that was applied in this situation is critical to ensure public complaints are thoroughly investigated through a fair, neutral and respectful process.
Chad Bachynski
Board Member & Designated Spokesperson
Regina Board of Police Commissioners
