An Edmonton police dispatcher who failed to act on a 911 call from a woman who was later killed by her son is appealing his dismissal.
Police have conceded that the dispatcher didn't send officers to Maia Soukonnik's west-end home two years ago when she called saying her son had assaulted her.
Nor did he try to call her back after they were cut off.
A police union spokesman says Dale Moore thinks his punishment was too harsh.
Ms. Soukonnik's 22-year-old son pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but was found not criminally responsible.
An arbitration panel is to meet in April to decide about Mr. Moore's future.
"There was a mistake made; however, there is just a question with respect to whether the discipline is appropriate," said Sgt. Tony Simioni of the Edmonton Police Association.
Police went to the home after getting a second 911 call from the 61-year-old woman's son, Rostislav, saying he had found his mother's body. Officers found Ms. Soukonnik with glass shards shoved into her neck. She had bled to death.
Investigators said the violation of procedures was an isolated case of human error.
Police have not released the 911 tape.