October 12, 2000

Dear Sirs,

In regard to your most recent letter of October 6, 2000, let me assure you that I am completely aware of the concerns which you had raised with Chief Silverberg prior to her retirement two days ago. As well, Deputy Chief Rick Hanson and Deputy Chief Peter Copple will remain fully involved with me in continuing to address your concerns.

Having carefully reviewed your most recent correspondence, I think it is important for you to know that one of Chief Christine Silverberg's lasting legacies within the Calgary Police Service was the development of an internal leadership team which appreciates, fully understands, and supports the vital importance of shared values in guiding an organization. I tell you this because I fully intend to uphold both the organizational philosophy and procedures which Chief Silverberg described to you in your recent meeting with her.

So there can be no mistaking my point, let me stress once again that any allegations regarding racism and police brutality on the part of members of the Calgary Police Service, indeed any allegations of misconduct whatsoever, are taken extremely seriously by me and will be fully and impartially investigated.

As to your specific allegations that the incident involving Mr. Melendez has led the Calgary Police Service to engage in an abuse of power and privilege through the misuse of the court system, let me state unequivocally that nothing could be further from the truth. While I certainly appreciate your desire for justice, a desire I also share, I can only reiterate what Chief Silverberg stated to you in her letter of September 19, 2000; namely, that the Crown Prosecutor holds sole jurisdiction to address criminal charges, once laid. That said, it would clearly be an abuse of my position as Chief of Police to "direct" the Crown prosecutor to withhold the charges, as you have suggested I do.

The internal investigation of this case is continuing and will be concluded in an expedient manner. I again reaffirm my commitment, and that of the Calgary Police Service, to work with you and members of your community in a positive and collaborative manner with respect to your concerns.

Yours sincerely,

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