Former Edmonton homicide detective charged with breach of trust
Former Edmonton Police Officer Charged with Breach of Trust for Sharing Confidential Information
A former Edmonton police officer, Retired Staff Sgt. Bill Clark, has been charged with breach of trust for allegedly sharing confidential investigative information with the media without authorization. The Edmonton Police Service announced the charges on Tuesday, following an investigation conducted by the Professional Standards Branch with oversight from the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team.
The specific details of the allegations were not disclosed by the police, but it was revealed that the investigation had been reviewed by the Alberta Crown Prosecution Services in Calgary, who recommended the criminal charge of breach of trust against the former officer. As the case is currently before the court, the police have declined to provide further information.
Clark, who served 44 years with the Edmonton police before retiring in May 2024, had a controversial tenure with the service. In 2011, he faced criticism for remarks he made about a homicide at a nightclub, which led to a complaint from the victim’s widow alleging unfair labeling of Edmonton’s Somali community. Additionally, in 2018, he received a formal complaint for comments made during a guest lecture at the University of Alberta, for which he was docked 10 hours’ pay.
Known for his candid approach to media interviews, Clark was a longtime homicide detective who worked on high-profile murder and missing persons cases. However, before his retirement in 2024, he was suspended without pay pending the outcome of the professional standards branch investigation.
Breach of trust is considered an indictable offense and can carry a maximum sentence of up to 14 years. CBC News reached out to Clark for comment on the charge and investigation, but he declined to provide a statement. The case against him highlights the importance of maintaining confidentiality and trust within law enforcement agencies.
