Police Accountability Files – Episode 22: Mandatory AlcoholScreening: No Suspicion Required

Can policedemand a breath sample from a driver without suspecting that theyhave been drinking? In Canada, the answer is yes—under certainlegal conditions.

In Episode22 of Police Accountability Files, host Special Ed examinesMandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS), the controversiallaw that allows police to demand a preliminary breath sample from adriver during a lawful traffic stop, even when there is no reasonablesuspicion of alcohol consumption.

We explorethe Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the legal battle oversuspicion-free roadside breath testing, and the Saskatchewan Court ofAppeal’s decision in R. v. Wright. We also explain why theSupreme Court of Canada’s decision to refuse leave to appeal didnot amount to a ruling on the constitutional merits of the case.

Thisepisode examines the difference between a lawful traffic stop and abreath-testing demand, the potential consequences of refusing ademand, Alberta’s impaired-driving penalties, and the questionsmandatory screening raises about privacy, police discretion, andcivil liberties.

Cana law designed to make roads safer justify breath testing withoutindividualized suspicion? And what safeguards are needed toensure police powers are exercised fairly?

JoinSpecial Ed for a critical look at the balance between public safetyand individual rights in Canada.

PoliceAccountability Files — Real Cases. Public Questions. PoliceAccountability.

Use "ACAB20" at LIQURE.com and save 20% on your order

Police Accountability Files — Episode 21: Edmonton Police'sBid to Restrict Disclosure of Misconduct Records

Whathappens when a police detective has a history of misconduct—and thepolice service tries to prevent that information from being disclosedin a criminal case?

In Episode21, host Special Ed examines the landmark Supreme Court of Canadadecision in Edmonton Police Service v. McKee, released June26, 2026. The case involved John McKee, who faced drug and weaponscharges following an investigation led by Edmonton police detectiveJared Ruecker. The detective had a previous misconduct finding thathad been removed from his disciplinary record under Albertaregulations.

TheEdmonton Police Service resisted disclosure, but the Supreme Courtunanimously dismissed its appeal, reaffirming that relevant policemisconduct information must be provided to the Crown forassessment—even when the record has been administratively removed.

Thisepisode explores:

Should a police service beallowed to decide what the defence can know about an investigatingofficer—or should that decision follow the rules of a fair trial?

Join Special Ed for an in-depth lookat a Supreme Court ruling with significant implications for policeaccountability and Canada's justice system.

Police Accountability Files —Real cases. Public questions. Police accountability.

Police Accountability Files – Episode 20: Guelph, OntarioOfficer on Paid Leave Since 2016

How can apolice disciplinary case stretch across nearly a decade—and howmuch does it cost taxpayers?

In Episode20 of Police Accountability Files, host Special Ed examinesthe case of Guelph Police Constable Corey McArthur, whosedisciplinary proceedings began after he elbowed a handcuffed17-year-old boy at a hospital in September 2016. McArthur pleadedguilty to criminal assault and discreditable conduct, and theincident led to years of hearings and appeals.

In July2026, a second disciplinary hearing ordered McArthur to resign orface dismissal. He appealed that decision, continuing a case that hasraised serious questions about police accountability, public trust,and the cost of lengthy disciplinary proceedings.

Thisepisode explores:

When an officer admits tomisconduct, how long should it take for the system to reach a finaldecision—and who should be accountable for the cost?

Join Special Ed for an in-depth lookat a case that raises difficult questions about police discipline,procedural fairness, public money, and confidence in law enforcement.

Police Accountability Files —Real cases. Public questions. Police accountability.