Our Crime Panel ponders what needs to happen at the Edmonton Max after serious allegations and firings, concerns over cameras in public parks, plus policing in the digital age.

Allegations of harassment, intimidation and potential criminal activity at the Edmonton Max

A total of six employees have now been fired from the Edmonton Institution. The firings followed disciplinary hearings which found “inappropriate conduct” of staff.

The hearings were held after allegations of workplace harassment, intimidation and potential criminal activity were brought to the attention of Correctional Service of Canada (CSC).

A statement from CSC went on to explain further disciplinary hearings are pending and additional investigations are ongoing. Edmonton Police Service and the RCMP are also investigating possible criminal activity at the Edmonton Institution.

Privacy concerns triggered by proposal for cameras in public park

The BC Civil Liberties Association are raising concerns over a potential plan to introduce cameras in public parks.

City councilors in Terrace, BC are considering installing cameras to curb vandalism and mischief in public parks. RCMP responded to over 200 calls in the parks in 2017.

Vandalism and damage has cost the city approximately $10,000 annually to repair. The BC Civil Liberties Association say the cameras infringe on people’s right to privacy and will not deter crimes.

Unlikely piece of evidence instrumental in solving high profile murder case

Saskatoon police say a selfie posted to Facebook was what led to the conviction of 21-year-old Cheyenne Rose Antoine.

This week Antoine pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the murder of 18-year-old Brittney Gargol. Gargol’s body was found near a landfill in 2015.

Despite what the Crown called a complex investigation, the key piece of evidence in the case was a belt found near Gargol’s body. The belt was believed to have been used to strangle the victim.

The photo of the two young women posted to Facebook just hours before Gargol was found dead depicts Antoine wearing the belt. Antoine was sentenced to seven years.

Our Crime Panel consists of Keith Spencer, retired criminologist; Frank Work, former information & privacy commissioner and Kevin martin, court reporter for Postmedia.