Ex-cop's assault: A cautionary tale of PTSD and alcohol

Dylan Kemp, a former Saskatoon police officer, received a conditional discharge with one year of probation for assaulting a colleague. The incident occurred on September 14, 2024, during a party at Kemp's home, where he was described as heavily intoxicated. Kemp admitted to excessive daily drinking to manage job-related stress and PTSD.

During the assault, Kemp engaged in multiple physical altercations with the victim, who was a special constable. These incidents left the victim with a bloody nose and other injuries, and she did not consent to the contact. The assault was reported days later after a co-worker noticed the victim's injuries.

Kemp, who had served for nearly a decade, was fired from the police service. His defense argued that he was self-medicating with alcohol to cope with traumatic experiences, including responding to a child's mauling and a fatal shooting. The court accepted the joint recommendation for a conditional discharge, emphasizing Kemp's steps toward recovery and apology.

Kemp's probation conditions mandate abstaining from alcohol and non-prescribed drugs. He must also engage in addictions programming, personal counseling, and a mental health assessment. Successfully completing probation will prevent Kemp from acquiring a criminal record.