The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS), after consultation with the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service, has charged a MHPS police officer with one count of assault in connection with an off-duty incident.

On April 18th, 2021 the MHPS was informed of an event that had occurred during the evening of April 17, 2021, whereby an off-duty officer allegedly had an altercation with a youth, not known to the officer. An investigation into the matter determined that at approximately 10:00 PM a youth knocked on the door of the officer’s residence and then ran off. The officer exited his house and encountered another youth near by, where the altercation took place.

Upon conclusion, the results of the MHPS investigation into the matter were forwarded to the provincial Crown Prosecution Service for review and it was recommended that the officer be charged with one count of assault. Accordingly, on June 23, 2021, Cst. Myles Steiger, an 11-year member of the MHPS, was charged and has been placed on administrative duties until further notice. Cst. Steiger is scheduled to appear in court on August 4, 2021.

Upon conclusion of the matter in court, it is anticipated that the internal disciplinary process under the Police Act will follow. The disciplinary process will determine whether any discipline, up to and including dismissal, is appropriate.

In order to ensure appropriate oversight, the Chair of the Medicine Hat Police Commission and the provincial Director of Law Enforcement, were notified of the investigation.

No further information on the investigation will be provided as the matter is now before the courts.

Media Contact:

Rita Sittler
Administrative Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416