Former MHPS chief Mike Worden resigned from his position in May 2022, following allegations of non-workplace misconduct. (CHAT News File Photo)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Cost of investigation into former MHPS chief Mike Worden revealed

Jul 20, 2022 | 12:22 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – City taxpayers will be on the hook for the cost of the investigation into former police chief Mike Worden.

An external investigation was triggered by the Medicine Hat Police Commission in the spring after Worden made the commission aware of allegations toward him of non-workplace misconduct.

The allegations were made by another officer, and it was later confirmed to involve a consensual relationship Worden was having with a woman who was not a member of the police force.

The investigation, conducted by Edmonton-based law firm Brownlee LLP, cleared Worden of any wrongdoing.

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A freedom of information request filed by CHAT News shows the cost of the investigation totalled $17,860.71.

Worden announced his resignation in May, telling CHAT News that he felt “the situation had impacted my ability to lead the MHPS with the professionalism that is deserving of the men and women of the MHPS, and the people of the City of Medicine Hat.”

Ted Rodych, chair of the Medicine Hat Police Commission, was not able to disclose how many people were interviewed during the investigation.

He also would not disclose whether or not Worden received any kind of severance on his way out as Medicine Hat’s top cop.

“Again this is an HR matter and we cannot get into those details,” Rodych said.

When challenged by CHAT News about it being about taxpayer dollars, Rodych reiterated that it is an “HR matter” and they can’t disclose whether or not severance was paid.

CHAT News has reached out to Collin Fetter, the independent investigator hired for the investigation, but he has not returned our calls.

The Medicine Hat Police Commission has begun its search for a new chief. Rodych said they hope to have one selected by the end of the year or early 2023.