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Understanding the Allegations Against the Police Chief
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when social distancing and public health orders were paramount, the actions of Lethbridge’s police chief, Shahin Mehdizadeh, have come under intense scrutiny. Allegations surfaced that he violated Alberta’s public health orders by dining with a non-household member, a volunteer police chaplain, during a lunch outing.
This incident, which took place in March 2021, has sparked a series of investigations and hearings that have raised questions about leadership accountability and public trust in law enforcement.
The Investigation Process and Findings
The allegations were brought to light by former deputy chief Scott Woods, who accused Mehdizadeh of 16 counts of misconduct.
An investigation by the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) followed, which concluded that ten of the allegations were either time-barred or lacked standing. The Lethbridge Police Commission dismissed the remaining six allegations as “frivolous and vexatious.” However, the case took a turn when Woods appealed to the Law Enforcement Review Board, which upheld some of the findings but directed a hearing for three remaining allegations.
This hearing, held at Lethbridge City Hall, focused on Mehdizadeh’s alleged breach of COVID-19 protocols and his subsequent denial of wrongdoing.
Testimonies and the Strained Relationship
During the hearing, both Woods and Mehdizadeh provided testimonies that highlighted their strained working relationship.
Woods expressed feelings of being unsupported under Mehdizadeh’s command, while Mehdizadeh acknowledged the tension between them. Importantly, Mehdizadeh did not deny having lunch with the chaplain but insisted that there was no malicious intent behind the meeting. His defense argued that the meal was innocent, occurring in a context where health orders were frequently changing.
Mehdizadeh claimed he believed it was reasonable to dine with someone he regularly interacted with at work, emphasizing that they maintained physical distance during the meal.
Public Health Compliance and Accountability
As the hearing progressed, it became clear that all parties acknowledged Mehdizadeh’s failure to adhere to public health orders.
However, his counsel argued for the dismissal of the remaining counts, citing his preference for education over enforcement when addressing similar breaches by others. They contended that since Mehdizadeh had accepted responsibility and apologized for his actions, the remaining allegations should be waived. This situation raises critical questions about how law enforcement leaders are held accountable for their actions, especially during a public health crisis. The Lethbridge Police Commission is set to reconvene to discuss the findings and implications of this case, which could have lasting effects on community trust in law enforcement.
