On Sept. 8, 2021, a member of the Strathmore RCMP Detachment was charged with a criminal offence for an off-duty incident that resulted in a police investigation by Calgary Police Service.

The charge resulted from an incident that took place on Aug. 25, 2021.

While off duty, Cst. Blaine Taylor attended a public shooting range located in Calgary.

Cst. Taylor had in his possession a number of firearms, including RCMP-issued firearms, that were used at the shooting range.

Complaints were passed along to the Chief Firearms Officer, National Weapons Enforcement Team, and the Calgary Police Service - who launched an investigation.

Following an investigation, the officer was charged with Possession of a Firearm While Unauthorized, Possession of a Prohibited Firearm, and Possession of a Prohibited Device (over-capacity magazine).

Cst. Taylor, who has been a member of the RCMP for 13 years, was released on an undertaking with conditions to attend Calgary Provincial Court on Oct. 19, 2021.

He is currently suspended from duty with pay. Once the criminal charges have been resolved, his duty status will again be reviewed.

As this matter is now before the courts, the Alberta RCMP is unable to provide further information.