RCMP Watch

May 26, 2006 - Edmonton Sun

CALGARY, CANADA – Calgary police are conducting an internal investigation to see if a cop charged with impaired driving was on duty at the time.

Const. Ernie Perry was arrested and charged with impaired driving about 9 p.m. Monday night.

Sun sources say Perry was scheduled to work that day from noon until 10 p.m.

Those same sources say the officer claims to have switched his schedule that day.

An internal investigation is being conducted to confirm whether Perry, a seven-year veteran, had in fact traded shifts.

Investigators are sifting through shift logs and other paperwork to determine whether or not Perry was legitimately off duty at the time he was arrested.

Insp. Ken Merchant, with the professionals standards unit, said the investigation is still in its early stages but was able to confirm there is flexibility in shifting.

“Our internal investigation will determine whether he was or he wasn’t on shift, or whether he swapped shifts,” he said.

“At this point, it’s too early to say.”

Pending a back-to-work assessment being conducted by the service, the 37-year-old District 6 officer has been relieved of duty with pay.

Perry has been charged with one count each of impaired driving and driving while over the legal blood alcohol limit.

He is scheduled to answer to the charges in provincial court on June 26.