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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016 Markus Granlund scores a short-handed goal on Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer during the first period. THE CANADIAN PRESS
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Officer paid $800K during suspension CALGARY POLICE SERVICE
Recently dismissed sergeant was off-duty since 2008 incident Lucie Edwardson
Metro | Calgary
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Taxpayers were on the hook for nearly $1 million paid to a police officer who hadn’t done a day of work for the Calgary Police Service in more than seven years. Sgt. Anthony Braile was suspended with pay in December 2008 after an investigation into professional misconduct was launched against him. Braile remained suspended with pay until he was dismissed last week, roughly netting a whopping $800,000 in pay, with benefits tacked on top. His annual salary as a level-two sergeant was anywhere between $111,072 and $114,400. “I think it’s safe to say it’s unacceptable for the public; it’s unacceptable for us,” said CPS spokesman Kevin Brookwell, adding it’s an issue that needs examination, as other similar cases have
concluded far quicker. Braile was a District 2 supervisor when he was involved in a high-speed chase of a suspected drunk driver. The chase reached speeds of 145 km/h at some points — but Braile was never supposed to pursue. A criminal prosecution resulted, with Braile ultimately pleading guilty to a charge of careless driving under the Traffic Safety Act (TSA). Coun. Ward Sutherland, who sits as a member of the Calgary Police Commission, said this incident shows the system’s flaws. “It’s unfortunate,” he said. “Everybody has to have a fair assessment of what happened, but it obviously shows the system that it’s wrong it takes this long of a period of time to review.” Taxpayers also continue to dish out for three other officers who are currently suspended with pay. Brookwell said the three officers include two constables who make between $62,816 and $93,766 annually as well as a sergeant who makes between $109,242 and $112,528 a year. He said one of them has been suspended for a year but wasn’t able to disclose the rank due to ongoing cases.