Chief Releases Statement In Murdock Case

If you are waiting for any more information as to what transpired in the case of former Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) constable Alan Murdock you are going to have to wait until later - if the details of what really transpired are ever released.

In a late Friday afternoon new release MJPS Chief Rick Bourassa said that the hearing scheduled to commence October 6th would have been the public venue to hear the details in a public forum but with Murdock withdrawing his appeal that is not happening. Bourassa said an alternative forum is being sought out.

The reason behind not releasing any further details may be the Province’s Freedom of Information and Privacy rules as the imformation may well be considered confidential as it deals with a private personnel matter. Speaking to MJ Independent an official in that office, who asked their name not be released as they are not authorized to comment on the issue, said it is likely the case.

Murdock is not compelled to authorize any release of what is considered his private information to the public.

“Because the hearing itself was to be the venue for full public information about the dismissal, the hearing’s cancellation following Mr. Murdock’s withdrawal of his appeal has eliminated that avenue of public information,” the statement from Chief Bourassa reads going on to state “We recognize the public’s concerns expressed regarding the need for openness and accountability…we are exploring other appropriate avenues to ensure the public is provided the information in order to serve the public interest. We will notify the public once an appropriate venue is identified.”

Former constable Murdock was teminated based upon a number of complaints which will now not be dealt with in a public legal forum.

While representing himself Murdock was able to establish precedent as to who is considered a probationary officer under the Saskatchewan Police Act winning a decison from adjudicator Jay Watson on the matter.

The full news release to the media from Chief Rick Bourassa - supplied