On the job or not? Here's the process when some public servants are charged criminally Running back Jerome Messam was charged with a Criminal Code offence on Sunday and released from the Saskatchewan Roughriders the next day, in keeping with Canadian Football League policy. The CFL informed all member clubs the league would not register a contract should any team attempt to sign him. When charged with a criminal offence, are CFL players on a level playing field with members of other organizations? Reporter Pamela Cowan takes a look at the process a few Saskatchewan regulators and employers follow: The Regina Police Service: The seriousness of a criminal charge dictates what measures are taken by the Regina Police Service (RPS) in connection with its officers and civilian members. One option for police officers facing a criminal charge is relief from duty with pay, which is basically suspension with pay for 30 days, said Elizabeth Popowich, RPS spokesperson. “At the end of 30 days, we could go to a hearing officer with a request to extend that relief from duty or change it to without pay,” she said. It’s also possible that person could be placed on administrative duties, meaning ... The RCMP: RCMP members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that meets the public’s “rightfully high expectations,”said Staff Sgt. Kevin Platford, the non-commissioned officer in charge of F Division (Saskatchewan) conduct management services. If a member is alleged to have committed a criminal act, the RCMP might conduct a parallel inquiry looking at the nature of the criminal allegation to determine if it’s discreditable conduct under the RCMP Act. RCMP members charged with drunk driving can’t drive a police vehicle until the matter is resolved in court and would be assigned other duties within the organization. “Temporary re-assignment ... Protecting the public’s confidence in the education system is a priority, said Patrick Maze, president of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF). “Parents must be certain that the person in front of their children is fit to be in front of them,” Maze said. He noted school boards employ teachers. Depending on the allegation, boards decide the course of action. When asked about the process if a teacher is charged with sexual exploitation of children, Maze replied: “In order to protect the public trust and keep the public’s confidence in the education system, that teacher would be out of the classroom ... The Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Association: When an individual applies for registration as a registered nurse, and every year thereafter when renewing their licence, they must provide evidence they are of good character including disclosure of any criminal charges or convictions. If the SRNA learns a member has been charged with or convicted of a criminal offence, the individual must provide detailed documentation, including an outline of how they have met or expect to meet any conditions imposed by the court and evidence of any rehabilitation efforts. The nature of the charges and/or crime dictate the action that is taken. Any ... The City of Regina: City policy requires employees to provide a satisfactory criminal record check upon employment and when changing roles within the organization. Employees are required to disclose if they are charged with a criminal offence during their time of employment. In these circumstances, each case would be situation specific and handled accordingly. According to a statement from the City of Regina: “While the City would not automatically suspend the employee, as our legal system is premised on innocent until proven guilty, each charge would be carefully assessed to ensure that the public interest is maintained and the City ... Continue reading... https://leaderpost.com/news/local-n...n-some-public-servants-are-charged-criminally
