Former Regina Police Officer Guilty in Database Misconduct Case
Robert Eric Semenchuck, a former member of the Regina Police Service (RPS), has pleaded guilty to charges related to the unauthorized use of police databases. His actions involved pursuing personal and intimate relationships with women, using information obtained from these databases.
The plea was entered during a brief court appearance at Regina Provincial Court on Friday, where Semenchuck remained silent and did not engage with reporters outside the courthouse.
Background of the Case
Semenchuck served with the RPS for 22 years, and the allegations against him first surfaced in early 2023. It wasn’t until March of this year that former Police Chief Farooq Sheikh announced that charges would be laid against him.
As part of the ongoing investigation, RPS confirmed that Semenchuck officially resigned from his position effective April 21, 2025. Sheikh commented on the delays in the legal proceedings, stating that the two years leading up to the charges were “out of the police control.”
Details of the Investigation
While the exact number of individuals contacted by Semenchuck remains unclear, some women involved were present in court to witness his guilty plea. The RPS concluded its investigation earlier this year, although they did not disclose a specific date.
A spokesperson for the RPS confirmed their commitment to investigating any new information that may arise, regardless of the conclusion of the initial investigation.
Next Steps and Changes in Policy
Semenchuck is scheduled for sentencing on January 23, 2026. A pre-sentencing report is to be prepared for court consideration prior to this date.
In response to the findings regarding Semenchuck’s actions, the RPS has implemented new policies aimed at preventing similar misconduct in the future. These policies include:
- An auditing process for police database access
- Increased training for officers on appropriate database use
- A clear reminder that database access is strictly for investigative purposes
Conclusion
The case against Robert Eric Semenchuck highlights the critical nature of accountability in law enforcement and the importance of maintaining public trust. With new policies in place, the RPS aims to safeguard against future abuses of power.
