An Alberta Sheriffs peace officer will not face criminal charges for using artificial intelligence to produce unauthorized intimate photos of women, including colleagues. Alberta’s police watchdog, ASIRT, released a report on Wednesday stating that the officer’s actions were severe and would have enduring effects on his female co-workers’ sense of workplace safety.
The investigation was initiated earlier this year after a family member discovered AI-generated images of women on the officer’s phone, prompting the employer to intervene. The officer confessed to utilizing an AI application to generate sexualized images of the women, reportedly sourcing non-intimate photos from social media for this purpose. However, there is no evidence that he attempted to distribute the altered images.
ASIRT noted that new legislation concerning intimate AI-generated images had been enacted shortly after the discovery of the photos and the commencement of the investigation. The officer’s actions did not violate the previous laws, as clarified by the Police Review Commission spokesperson, Jason van Rassel.
Since the officer’s behavior did not constitute a criminal offense and ASIRT’s jurisdiction is limited to criminal matters, the matter was deemed best addressed by the Alberta Sheriffs according to their code of conduct. The Ministry of Public Safety, overseeing the sheriffs, confirmed that the officer has been suspended from active duty pending an internal inquiry.
“The Alberta Sheriffs Branch is dedicated to upholding the principles of accountability, integrity, and respect,” stated spokesperson Sheena Campbell. The organization’s commitment to professional standards and workplace conduct forms the basis of these values.
While the internal investigation is ongoing, details about the officer’s employment status, including whether he is still receiving pay, were not disclosed. The Alberta Sheriffs, managed at the provincial level, employ peace officers in various roles, such as court and government security, wildlife conservation, and highway patrol. The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, representing approximately 1,000 sheriffs, declined to provide a statement when approached by CBC News.
