A former Saskatoon police officer, Robbie Taylor, is appealing his dismissal after being fired for maintaining a friendship with an individual associated with the Hells Angels biker gang. The decision to terminate Taylor’s employment was upheld earlier this year by an independent hearing officer, prompting Taylor to seek reinstatement through the Saskatchewan Police Commission.
During an appeal hearing in Saskatoon, Taylor’s legal representatives, Scott Hopley and Brian Pfefferle, argued that the hearing officer’s ruling should be overturned. They contended that while certain actions by Taylor may have warranted discipline, he remained capable of fulfilling his duties as a police officer.
One of the key issues raised in the appeal pertains to an alleged abuse of process, which was initially brought up during a weeklong hearing in September 2025. This allegation involves a complaint from 2023, where then-police chief Troy Cooper received reports of Taylor interfering in a traffic stop involving a friend associated with the Hells Angels.
Although Cooper chose not to pursue disciplinary action following the complaint, Taylor’s lawyers were only informed of this decision during the hearing in September. They argued that this lack of prior disclosure was unfair and constituted an abuse of process that undermined the pursuit of justice.
In response, Ashley Smith, representing the Saskatoon Police Service, maintained that there was no formal document outlining Cooper’s decision not to take action. She emphasized that Taylor should have been aware of the implications of associating with individuals linked to organized crime, and asserted that the breach of trust between Taylor and Police Chief Cam McBride necessitated Taylor’s dismissal to uphold public confidence in the police service.
The panel of the Saskatchewan Police Commission, comprising Aaron Fox, Leanne Lang, and John Ajioritis, is deliberating on the matter and has yet to issue a final decision regarding Taylor’s appeal.
