MHPS charges one of its own with sex assault

By Medicine Hat News on October 24, 2020.

A Medicine Hat police constable has been charged with sexual assault and relieved of his duties without pay, the Medicine Hat Police Service announced Friday afternoon.

Chance Franklin is a 12-year veteran of the local police force and is said to have been off duty at the time of the alleged incident.

A release states that officers responded to a complaint on Oct. 11, and on advice of the Alberta Justice law enforcement administrators proceeded with an investigation, rather than call in outside investigators.

The completed file was forwarded to Crown prosecutors in Edmonton for review. They recommended a single charge be laid, which occurred Friday, states the MHPS release.

Local police officials stated they would not provide further comment beyond an initial statement from Medicine Hat Police Chief Andy McGrogan.

“Police officers are held to a high standard of conduct as they are sworn to protect and serve,” it reads. “The MHPS respects the importance of transparency and accountability to the members of our community, however as this matter is before the courts the MHPS will be unable to provide further comment at this time.”

Franklin was placed on administrative duties when the investigation began. He has since “been relieved from duty without pay.”

A Police Act disciplinary hearing is expected to follow the conclusion of the court case.