A veteran police officer with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Brooks, Alberta, is now facing serious criminal charges after an internal investigation into his actions while off duty.
Charges Laid Following Investigation
The Alberta RCMP announced on Wednesday that Corporal Michael Hagel, a 40-year-old member with nine years of service, has been formally charged. The charges are one count of assault and one count of assault by choking. The investigation into his off-duty conduct was initiated by the southern Alberta RCMP detachment on November 20.
Officer's Status and Court Date Set
As a result of the charges, Cpl. Hagel's status with the force has changed. He is currently suspended from duty with pay, a standard administrative procedure during such legal proceedings. Following his arrest, Hagel was released on an undertaking, which is a court-ordered release document. A key condition of his release is that he must attend his first court appearance.
He is scheduled to appear in court in Brooks on January 26 to answer to the allegations. The RCMP has not released further details about the specific circumstances that led to the assault charges, citing the ongoing legal process.
Brooks Detachment Responds
The case highlights the internal accountability mechanisms within the national police force. When an officer's conduct, whether on or off duty, comes under criminal investigation, it is typically handled by a separate RCMP detachment to ensure impartiality. The swift laying of charges following the November investigation demonstrates the process in action. The Brooks detachment, where Hagel served, will now navigate the internal disciplinary procedures concurrent with the public court case.
