Outcome in unauthorized surveillance matter too swift?

By Letter to the Editor on July 18, 2020.

Anyone who read the lead story in the Lethbridge Herald of July 15 might conclude that the surveillance of the then Minister of the Environment by two members of the Lethbridge Police Service calls for more than a slap on the wrist.

This is an important community issue. Throughout history, dictatorships have depended heavily on unauthorized police surveillance. Why should it be any different today?

In this instance two members of the Lethbridge Police Service used their authority to eavesdrop on a group of citizens engaged in a lawful discussion with the minister.

The outcome announced by Chief Scott Woods seems to have brought the matter to a swift conclusion. And I give him credit for that. But perhaps this is a little too swift. This may be one of those rare occasions when a meeting between the police commission and city council would be in order.

Robert D. Tarleck

Lethbridge