In the wake of the provincial Public Complaints Commission ruling neglect of duty by two Prince Albert Police Officers that led to the death of 13-month old Tanner Brass, the Prince Albert police chief is announcing his retirement.
Police Chief Jonathon Bergen, in an open letter, says he has withstood criticism from without and within the police service for actions taken in relation to the situation. Baby Tanner died on February 10th, 2022. PA police officers went to a home in the early morning hours that day to respond to a complaint of a family dispute. The boy’s mother called 911 saying the father was intoxicated and assaulted her. The woman told police she did not want to pursue an investigation. She had nowhere else to go and was taken to the police detention centre. Officers believed the boy would be safe with his father, but a call was received around 11am saying that Baby Tanner was injured. When officers arrived, the boy was dead.
Chief Bergen says, “That my decisions as Chief in this matter have become the subject of escalating criticism and personal attack from a specific core of current and past members of the Prince Albert Police Service. The media has reported that a select group has been anonymously offering a very personal criticism of me, and of members of my team, including personal attacks and allegations aimed not just at me, but also at my Deputy Chief, Farica Prince and others.”
As well the Prince Albert Police Chief says his decision to refer the matter for an independent investigation at arms-length from the Service was roundly criticized by members preferring that the Prince Albert Police Service should investigate itself. He also states that he was criticized for not supporting the officers in question when deciding to remove the two members involved from active service pending the Public Complaints Commission’s review.
Chief Bergen is a 25 year veteran police officer and says after consulting with the Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners as well as the Deputy Chief, they believe the Board should immediately appoint an interim Chief of Police, seconded from an external police agency.
