Inquiry begins into Calgary police conduct after arrest of Hells Angel

A special hearing looking into the circumstances surrounding the 2008 arrest of a known biker gang member that resulted in two Calgary police officers facing charges will hear from 15 witnesses, including the ex-police chief Rick Hanson.

The five-day inquiry is looking into the actions of Const. Brant Derrick and Sgt.LesKaminski, who were charged with assault inthe arrestof Jason Arkinstall, a member of the Hells Angels.

Kaminski was later charged with perjury relating to Arkinstall's trial.

• Inquiry launched after probe into alleged police wrongdoing took 8 years

It was alleged the officers used excessive force duringArkinstall'sarrest.

At the beginning of Arkinstall's trial, the Crown withdrew obstruction and assault charges against Arkinstall. He was acquitted of uttering threats on Jan.14, 2011.

During the trial, the judgerejected the evidenceof Derrick and Kaminski, who had testified at the trial. He found the officers were not credible.

Police charged, cleared

Derrick and Kaminski were charged in connection with thearrestnine years after the incident.

Derrick was found not guilty of using excessive force in December, 2017.

All charges against Kaminski, who is also the head of the police union, were ultimately dropped.

Calgary police conducted a review afterArkinstall'strialbut determined an investigation was not required, which they've since called a "mistake."

The current inquiry, which was ordered by Alberta's justice minister last summer, will also look at whether there was any effort to obstruct, impede or otherwise interfere with disciplinary action with respect to Derrick and Kaminski.

No new charges or discipline can come from the hearing, which is designed to result in recommendations for the handling of future incidents.

• MORE CALGARY NEWS|Calgary city council votes to continue Olympic bid exploration
• MORE CALGARY NEWS|Bible camp denied government funds over stand on 'reproductive rights'