Regina mayor confident in police board decision as former chief appeals firing

Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski is standing behind the decision of the city’s board of police commissioners, as fired police chief Farooq Sheikh appeals his dismissal.

Sheikh was fired with cause in October following an investigation by the Public Complaints Commission, which found Sheikh acted in a way that was “dishonourable” to the police service after he engaged in “inappropriate private communications” with another police board member. He had been removed from active service six months earlier pending the investigation.

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In a statement sent to media on Sheikh’s behalf on July 13, lawyer Brian Pfefferle said Sheikh contends his firing was “unjustified, disproportionate, and wrong.”

“He believes the appeal will demonstrate that the process leading to his dismissal fell short of the principles of fairness and due process that should underpin decisions of this nature,” the statement read.

Speaking to reporters at a meeting of the board of police commissioners, which Bachynski chairs, the mayor said the appeal process will be followed.

“At the end of the day, the board is confident in the decisions that they’ve made, and we’ll proceed and follow the process as needed,” he said.

In his statement, Sheikh says he “welcomes the opportunity to have all of the relevant facts examined through an independent and impartial appeal process.”

The statement added that Sheikh is proud of his service as Regina’s police chief, but said the past year has been difficult for him and his family.

Appeal hearing dates have been set for Sept. 14-17 and Sept. 23-24 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Regina.