Officer Ian Elsom Charged with Assault

An officer charged Tuesday with assault causing bodily harm used an appropriate amount of force in collaring a man who was resisting arrest, the president of the Calgary Police Association argued.

Calgary police allege Const. Ian Elsom, 38, caused unspecified jaw injuries during an altercation after a traffic stop on Dec. 8, 2007.

But association president John Dooks said Elsom broke no laws.

The offender was resisting arrest and the officer used a reasonable amount of force," Dooks said.

"The officer was involved in a foot chase and the suspect sustained injuries as a result of a struggle, as a result of some of his own actions."

The Calgary Police Service said its Professional Standards Section investigated the incident and sent its findings to prosecutors in Edmonton.

The Crown reviewed the case and recommended last week that Elsom be charged.

"It is very rare for us to charge a police officer. It's all based on the recommendation from the Edmonton Crown," said Calgary police Insp. Monty Sparrow.

"We take all matters seriously and forward all of our investigations of a criminal nature to the Edmonton Crown for review. Upon their recommendation, we lay the charge."

Elsom, who has served with the CPS for the last two years, is on paid relief for the next seven days.

Sparrow would not say much about the incident, saying the matter was before the courts.

"The Calgary Police Service takes any allegations of criminal activity, misconduct or improper behaviour against its officers very seriously. All incidents are investigated thoroughly and impartially," said Sparrow.

The case comes less than a week after another Calgary officer was acquitted of assault charges in court.

Seven-year member Const. Sean Hasson was acquitted Saturday of aggravated assault after an incident that stemmed from an unpaid bar tab. The judge in that case was critical of the Crown's arguments.

Dooks said he knows Elsom and reiterated his belief that he will also be cleared.

"He's a very committed and hard-working officer and I believe his actions were appropriate for the situation. He was lawfully engaged in his duties with somebody who was resisting arrest," Dooks said.