COP SENTENCED FOR ASSAULT AND CARELESS USE OF FIREARM

COP SENTENCED FOR ASSAULT AND CARELESS USE OF FIREARM: It's time for the RCMP to step up to the plate and better deal with members who go off the rails, says a woman who recently fell victim to a violent outburst from her estranged cop-husband. "They (the RCMP) created a monster," she said outside the courthouse where Staff Sergeant Owen Wlodarczak, 41, received a three year conditional sentencing for the charges of assault and careless use of a firearm. "With what he's seen, and what he's been through.they need to do more. They need to take into account what's happening with their members."Officers who show signs of distress do have ample access to psychologists, psychiatrists and counsellors, but the woman said treatment needs to be mandated because her estranged husband wouldn't have gone for help without being forced to do so... (The judge) approved a three year conditional discharge for Wlodarczak. It means, assuming he adheres to the conditions set, he will not have a criminal record. The conditions of sentence entail keeping the peace and staying one kilometre away from his family, unless family court says otherwise. Wlodarczak is barred from bars, liquor stores and other areas where alcohol is the main course. He's also not allowed to have firearms, unless he's working. That means he must surrender his gun to a superior at the end of each shift if he's reinstated with the RCMP. (Kelowna Capital News – August 9, 2011)