Regina Police Chief Farooq Sheikh was placed on paid suspension on April 4, following the launch of an investigation into his conduct. CBC
Regina’s Police Chief Farooq Sheikh has lost his position following an investigation by Saskatchewan’s Public Complaints Commission, which confirmed allegations of inappropriate communication with a member of the Board of Police Commissioners.
Investigation and Findings
The controversy began earlier this year when a complaint was filed against Sheikh by a board member. The complaint alleged that Sheikh exchanged private and inappropriate messages with the individual while discussions about his employment contract were ongoing. The board member’s name has not been made public.
The Public Complaints Commission launched an investigation and completed its report in late September. It was then submitted to the Board of Police Commissioners, which reviewed the findings and decided to terminate Sheikh’s employment “with cause.”
During a press conference, Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski, who also chairs the police board, said the decision was made to preserve public confidence in the city’s law enforcement.
“Our job as a board is to maintain public trust in the police service,” he said. “The decision today ensures that we remain committed to that principle.”
Allegations Against Sheikh
The report detailed two main allegations. The first claimed Sheikh tried to influence the board member regarding his contract and their position on the board. Investigators found no evidence to support that claim.
The second, however, proved more serious. The commission confirmed that Sheikh had been engaging in private, inappropriate conversations with the same board member over several months. These messages, according to the report, were hidden from other board members and senior police staff.
In one instance, Sheikh reportedly messaged the board member during a confidential meeting about his employment contract — a session from which he had been asked to leave. The report also revealed that Sheikh suggested deleting messages to avoid them being discovered.
The commission concluded that Sheikh’s actions violated the core values of integrity, transparency, and accountability expected from police leadership. It also stated that he failed to accept responsibility for his conduct.
Leadership Response
Mayor Bachynski emphasized that the decision was not made lightly.
“These were choices made by an individual,” he said. “We hold our officers, especially those in leadership, to the highest standards. That’s what our community expects, and that’s what we must uphold.”
Transition in Leadership
Sheikh became Regina’s police chief in December 2023, after leading Alberta’s sheriffs. He was suspended with pay in April 2025 when the allegations surfaced.
Deputy Chief Lorilee Davies, who has been serving as acting chief since Sheikh’s suspension, will continue in the role while the board begins its search for a permanent replacement.
Mayor Bachynski expressed confidence in the department’s leadership team, saying they remain focused on public safety and rebuilding community trust.
