Calgary officer charged with sexual assault after ASIRT investigation of off-duty incident

Alberta's police watchdog says a Calgary police officer has been charged with sexual assault after an alleged incident that took place in a licensed establishment in 2021.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) said it was directed to investigate after a Calgary officer, Const. Gurluv Singh, attended the establishment in Calgary on Oct. 9, 2021. 

While there, Singh was alleged to have touched a staff member in a sexual manner without her consent in an off-duty incident.

"The evidence gathered during ASIRT's investigation provided reasonable grounds to believe that an offence had been committed," reads a release attributed to the police watchdog.

The investigation was forwarded to the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service, which determined there was enough evidence to prosecute.

Michael Ewenson, ASIRT's executive director, then determined Singh should be charged.

Singh has been released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 5, 2023.

ASIRT said no other information would be released as the matter is before the courts.

The provincial agency investigates incidents where serious injury or death may have been caused by police, as well as serious allegations of police misconduct.

Officer placed on administrative duty

In a statement to CBC News, the Calgary Police Service said it responded after learning of the incident.

"Once we were made aware of the allegation, we notified the Director of Law Enforcement, who then assigned the file to the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team for further investigation," police said.

Singh, a five-year-member of the service, was placed on administrative duty, with no contact with the public while the investigation was ongoing.

Police said his status will be reviewed as a result of the Criminal Code charge.