Alberta’s Serious Incident Response Team is no longer investigating allegations of serious injury, following a Calgary Police response to pro-Palestine protests that took place at the University of Calgary on May 9.
In a release sent to the media by the Calgary Police Service on Oct. 29, the service said they were notified that the investigation into the removal of the camp was concluded by Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis.
That investigation was announced on May 13, following the protest.
“Using the definition of ‘serious’ that is regularly employed by ASIRT when conducting investigations into harm caused by police, ASIRT has found that the allegation of ‘serious’ injuries cannot be verified,” said CPS.
With the investigation by ASIRT closed, the conduct of police officers during the protest now falls under the Calgary Police Service’s Professional Standards Section (PPS).
To date, eight complaints have been made to the PPS.
CPS said that they provided, along with the Edmonton Police Service, full co-operation to ASIRT’s investigation, and that included providing bodyworn camera footage and complaints made about officer conduct to the province’s investigatory body.
“We respect the independent oversight that ASIRT brings and thank them for their work on this matter. We remain committed to facilitating lawful, peaceful and safe demonstrations while striving to minimize impact to the community,” said CPS.
