Regina Police Chief Temporarily Removed Amid Investigation: A Spotlight on Recent Misconduct Allegations

By Justin Heath

On April 4, 2025, Regina Police Chief Farooq Sheikh was temporarily removed from active duty following a complaint lodged by a community member. The Regina Board of Police Commissioners announced that the Saskatchewan Public Complaints Commission (PCC), a civilian oversight body, is investigating the matter. While the specifics of the complaint remain undisclosed, the board emphasized its commitment to maintaining public trust in the Regina Police Service (RPS) during the review process. Chairperson Yashu Bither stated that Sheikh’s suspension with pay, mandated under The Police Act, 1990, ensures the investigation’s integrity and independence. Deputy Chief Lorilee Davies has assumed the role of acting chief in the interim, with no further details to be released until the PCC concludes its work.

Sheikh, who took the helm of the RPS on December 1, 2023, after serving as Chief of the Alberta Sheriffs, has been a prominent figure in Regina’s law enforcement landscape. His tenure has focused on reducing crime, enhancing community engagement, and fostering trust—goals now under scrutiny as this investigation unfolds. The lack of transparency about the complaint has sparked curiosity and concern among Regina residents, especially given the timing and the RPS’s recent history of misconduct allegations.

A Pattern of Controversy: Recent Allegations Within the Regina Police Service

The suspension of Chief Sheikh is not an isolated incident but part of a broader narrative of accountability challenges within the RPS. Just weeks ago, on March 13, 2025, the service faced another high-profile misconduct case involving Sergeant Robert Eric Semenchuck, a 22-year veteran. Semenchuck was charged with breach of trust and unauthorized use of a computer after allegedly accessing internal police databases to pursue personal and intimate relationships with women. Chief Sheikh himself addressed the incident, acknowledging the erosion of public trust and emphasizing that such behavior does not reflect the RPS’s values. Semenchuck, suspended since 2023 when the allegations surfaced, is set to appear in court on April 22, 2025.

This case sent shockwaves through the community, with Sheikh publicly reassuring staff and residents that the RPS would not tolerate such actions. The incident highlighted vulnerabilities in data security and raised questions about oversight within the force—issues that now cast a shadow over Sheikh’s leadership as he faces his own investigation.

Community and Institutional Response

The Regina Board of Police Commissioners has framed Sheikh’s removal as a procedural necessity rather than a judgment of guilt, aligning with the PCC’s role as an impartial investigator. Established in 2006, the PCC investigates complaints against municipal police to ensure fair and thorough reviews, reporting findings to the chief of police for potential disciplinary action. However, the opacity surrounding Sheikh’s case has fueled speculation, with some residents questioning whether it relates to operational decisions, personal conduct, or broader systemic issues within the RPS.

Public reaction, as reflected in local discourse, ranges from cautious support for the oversight process to frustration over recurring misconduct allegations. The RPS has made efforts to bolster community trust in recent years, such as monthly neighborhood patrols launched in 2024 to improve visibility and engagement. Yet, these initiatives now compete with a narrative of internal challenges, testing the service’s credibility.

Looking Ahead: Implications for Regina’s Police Force

Sheikh’s temporary removal comes at a pivotal moment for the RPS, which has been navigating complex social issues like crime in North Central and the implementation of a complex needs shelter in collaboration with the provincial government. His leadership has been marked by a push for proactive policing and technological innovation, such as biometric tools that have reportedly saved lives. Whether these efforts will be overshadowed by the current investigation remains to be seen.

The outcome of the PCC’s review could have lasting implications for Sheikh’s tenure and the RPS’s reputation. If substantiated, the complaint could lead to disciplinary measures or even his permanent removal, further straining public confidence. Conversely, a resolution in his favor might reinforce the board’s stance on due process but leave lingering questions about transparency.

As Regina awaits the PCC’s findings, the spotlight on the RPS intensifies. The Semenchuck case and Sheikh’s suspension underscore the challenges of maintaining accountability in a modern police force. For a community that values safety and trust, these incidents serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between authority and integrity—and the ongoing work needed to sustain it.

Justin Heath

Justin Heath is a  freelance writer for Veritas Expositae

You can reach him at justin.heath@veritasexpositae.com