Police union backtracks from defunding comments

The Regina Police Association has apologized for a tweet it posted Wednesday.

While promoting a news story about the Regina Police Service’s cultural unit, the association — the union that represents the service’s employees — suggested that unit would be among the first to be cut if the service faced defunding.

Later Wednesday, the association apologized for how the initial tweet was interpreted, saying it didn’t intend its comment “to be harmful or distasteful.”

“The intention of the tweet was to demonstrate how our members cherish the relationships we’ve built within our community,” the union said in a series of follow-up tweets. “We’re fearful that the ‘de-funding’ of Police will ultimately exclude our members from such valuable social programming.

“Our members love our community and want to play a role in making it safer for everyone. Again, we apologize for the misunderstanding.”

Mayor Michael Fougere told the Greg Morgan Morning Show he was uncomfortable with the initial tweet, but understands where the union was coming from with its comments.

“They’re feeling pressured,” Fougere said, “and, rightly so, they’re concerned about their ability to perform the services that they’re mandated to do, which is to serve and to protect.”