PRINCE ALBERT – Following the death of a 13-month-old boy, Prince Albert Police Service appointed a new inspector to oversee the PAPS patrol section and she has had a busy first few weeks.
Inspector Lisa Simonson is responsible for the oversight of patrol, including four staff sergeants, eight sergeants, and more than 30 constables. In the first few weeks since taking on this new role with PAPS, Simonson has reviewed PAPS policy and procedures relating to their detention area, patrol structure, and dispatch of officers to calls for service. She has also been working to review policy regarding intimate partner violence and missing persons reports, working in coordination with HUB, PACT, and Victim Services Unit.
"As an organization, we continue to work toward measures to better align our professional policies with our community’s needs and expectations and we remain accountable in the performance of our duties to serve every member of our community," said Charlene Tebbutt, public relations and media coordinator for PAPS on Thursday.
Simonson's appointment follows the death of a young child in Prince Albert Feb. 10.
Patrol officers were dispatched to a call for service at a residence in the 200 Block of 23rd Street West at approximately 5:44 a.m. Feb. 10. Officers were called back to the same residence around 11 a.m. that same day for a report of a homicide involving a 13-month-old boy.
"This file and our initial response is being independently investigated by the Saskatchewan Public Complaints Commission to ensure that accountability and we ask for patience as that process continues until all facts are determined," said Tebbutt.
As required under the Police Act, Chief Jonathan Bergen launched an investigation into the initial police response to the residence and the Public Complaints Commission is investigating. Specific details about the police response or the circumstances of the file can't be disclosed during the investigation but in the days after the child's death, Bergen determined a structure change was needed within the organization.
“We know that our police officers face an increasing number of calls for service each year, and it has become more difficult to manage every call as thoroughly as required,” said Bergen. “We need to make sure we are fully compliant with policy, legislation, and best practices, and that is driving this change.”
Simonson was a sergeant with PAPS and has 22 years of experience as a police officer. She previously worked for the Edmonton and Vancouver Police Services. She has a background in science through the University of Alberta, and police and security through MacEwan University. Throughout her career, Simonson has served on patrol and with the family safety unit, and spent several years investigating major crimes with the Criminal Investigation Division.
“Inspector Simonson is a caring and compassionate leader who brings extensive knowledge and experience to this position and is known for being thorough with a strong focus on attention to detail in her work,” said Bergen.
Farica Prince, PAPS deputy chief of police, said Simonson is a leader within PAPS and the community.
“While managing our very busy patrol section, Inspector Simonson continues to work to promote opportunities for women in all areas of public safety,” said Prince. “Her leadership sets a strong example for others, whether they are thinking about a career in public safety or already serving on the front lines.”
