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The Saskatoon Police Service has launched an internal investigation after an officer was caught leaving a vulgar voicemail on a man’s phone.
Bronek Hart, 30, heard the message for the first time Wednesday while sitting in his living room. It was from an officer following up on a report he filed in November 2016 over the theft of $400 worth of items from his work truck.
“‘Bronek,’ who names your f**king kid ‘Bronek?’ Retarded,” said the caller on the recording.
Hart said he was surprised by what he heard, and played it again for his girlfriend.
“This is not what you expect to hear from your police department,” he said.
Hart said he was disappointed in the officer’s choice of words.
“They’re supposed to protect us and they use such vulgar language – it’s shocking.”
Police confirmed the voice on the recording was an officer.
Hart has filed a complaint with the police board of commissioners.
Chief Clive Weighill stressed they are taking the complaint seriously.
“The comments made are inappropriate and do not meet the high standards expected of our members. Our Professional Standards Officers have reached out to Mr. Hart and an internal investigation will take place,” he wrote in a statement issued to media.
Hart said he’ll be watching closely to see what comes of the investigation.
“It’s nice to hear these things, but this is typical PR. I would like to see it actually followed up on – and not just be a public statement stating that,” he said.
Hart noted the caller sounded as though they were talking to somebody else in the room with them.
“Discussing things like that in the office place – in that manner – that’s inappropriate,” he said.
Hart said everyone can voice their opinions, but added there’s a time and place for that.
While he’s disappointed in the behaviour, he said he doesn’t believe it reflects on the entire department.
Hart said he hopes the complaint raises awareness about vulgarity and inappropriate words.
The officer in question remains on active duty until the investigation concludes.
-With files from JT Marshall and Brent Bosker
