ASIRT conducted a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The complete investigative file was forwarded to the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service (ACPS) for an opinion. ASIRT Executive Director Susan D. Hughson, Q.C., having carefully reviewed the complete investigative file and the Crown opinion, has determined that there are reasonable grounds to believe offences were committed and that the officer should be charged.
Today, Const. Joseph Barton, a member of the CPS, was arrested and charged with three counts of perjury. The charges relate to family court proceedings between Const. Barton and a former domestic partner. It is alleged that on three different dates, Const. Barton affirmed two false affidavits and provided testimony in court which he knew to be false.
Const. Barton was released on an undertaking with conditions to appear in Calgary provincial court on July 24.
As these matters are now before the courts, ASIRT will not provide any further information in relation to these incidents.
ASIRT’s mandate is to effectively, independently, and objectively investigate incidents involving Alberta’s police that have resulted in serious injury or death to any person, as well as serious or sensitive allegations of police misconduct.
This release is distributed by the Government of Alberta on behalf of the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team.