Source:Ottawa Citizen
Becomes 15th member of force accused of wrongdoing this year
By Dave Rogers, The Ottawa Citizen May 6, 2010
Brockville police charged an off-duty Ottawa police officer with spousal assault on Wednesday, making him the 15th Ottawa officer charged with a criminal offence, discreditable conduct, insubordination or neglect of duty this year.
Acting police chief Gilles Larochelle, who's filling in for Chief Vern White, said that number is about the same as it was in previous years. He added the media were learning that officers had been charged with criminal offences or discreditable conduct because of White's policy of "increased transparency" that started in 2007.
Larochelle said Ottawa police will not release the officer's name, who was charged Wednesday to protect the privacy of his spouse and children. The officer was to appear in Brockville court on Wednesday. He has been assigned to administrative duties pending the outcome of the charges.
The Ottawa Police Service Professional Standards Section is investigating the allegations, and charges may also be laid under the Police Services Act.
Larochelle said six Ottawa police officers were charged with criminal offences such as impaired driving, assault and theft under $5,000 in 2008. Three officers were charged with criminal offences in 2009 and three officers are facing criminal charges so far this year.
Twelve officers face charges of discreditable conduct, insubordination or neglect of duty under the Police Services Act. The force employs about 1,400 police officers and 600 civilians.
Larochelle would not say that the charges represented a growing problem for the force or that incidents such as assault and impaired driving were directly linked to workplace stress.
"The Ottawa Police Service takes the conduct of its members very seriously and holds all sworn officers to a standard that is consistent with community expectations and their oath of office," Larochelle said. "The media is more aware of what is going on internally because the chief wanted this information made public through media releases. We are doing an extensive review of the workload of each officer in the criminal investigation service and did a review of the workload of uniform officers."
Larochelle said the review of police operations was being completed to improve service to the public and was not related to stress. He said the police service was not concerned about the level of stress among its officers.
"It is easy to say that these incidents are stress-related, but I can't say that," Larochelle said.
Another case involves Const. David Dubois, a member of the Ottawa Police Service tactical unit, who was charged with impaired driving and driving over the legal limit on the night of April 18. Dubois was off duty at the time.
Last November, an unnamed 44-year-old officer was charged with two counts of criminal harassment.
The force did not name the officer, saying doing so could help identify the victim and could cause "further victimization."
Another Ottawa officer was suspended in November after being charged with assaults on two youths in South Dundas between February and October 2009.
Ontario Provincial Police, who laid those charges, said the 33-year-old officer was known to the two alleged victims.
Impaired-driving charges were also laid against Const. Martin Dompierre in September 2008. Dompierre had his driver's licence suspended for one year and was fined $1,200 after pleading guilty in a Gatineau court.
Stress was said to be a factor in one notable case.
A psychologist testifying at a police disciplinary hearing in February said Ottawa police Const. Jeffrey Gulick could have been in a state of "toxic psychosis" from drugs and alcohol when he assaulted four fellow officers.
Dr. John Goodman said a "perceived sense of threat" was the trigger to the actions of Gulick, who was charged with discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act.
An agreed statement of facts read into evidence when the hearing began in January said Gulick became angry after he failed a use-of-force requalification and was required to turn in his gun.
Gulick went home and began drinking. He told the officers responding to a neighbour's complaint that he drank half a bottle of scotch and a cooler.
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen
critter cartoon
Friday, May 7, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Booze cruising off duty officer gets to keep her job
Convicted constable demoted
Sorce:The Spec
April 28, 2010
Nicole O'Reilly
The Hamilton Spectator
(Apr 28, 2010)
A 16-year veteran Hamilton police officer has been found guilty of discreditable conduct and faces a more than year-long demotion following a Christmastime crash and impaired driving conviction.
Constable Kim Walker, 42, was handed a 14-month demotion from a first class constable to a second class constable yesterday after a Police Services Act tribunal. She is doing downtown core patrol while she is banned from driving.
The professional disciplinary measure follows an impaired driving guilty plea and conviction last month. Walker received a 15-month driving suspension and $1,500 fine. A second criminal charge for failing to remain at the scene was withdrawn.
Walker, who was off duty, drove her SUV into a hydro transformer and through a three-metre-tall fence at a Mount Hope townhouse complex around 4 a.m. on December 27.
No one was injured.
Homeowner Cathy Robertson told The Spectator she got out of her bed and saw the grey SUV had smashed through the fence, stopping within a couple of metres of her home.
Police found Walker stumbling and falling along a road around 6 a.m., Crown counsel Brian O'Marra told Ontario Court Justice Bernd Zabel last month. Officers detected "a strong odour of alcoholic beverage" and her "eyes were glassy."
She immediately confessed and co-operated. The first breathalyser at 6:58 a.m. registered 170 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
Walker's immediate admission of guilt and otherwise clean record were referred to in the findings. A number of colleagues wrote glowing letters of reference.
"From all of the evidence presented, P.C. Walker has the potential to continue as a police officer and to provide value to the Hamilton Police Service and the citizens within this community," read the findings of Superintendent Michael Shea released yesterday.
Police Chief Glenn De Caire could not be reached for comment.
"The matter is concluded and the decision speaks for itself," said spokesperson Catherine Martin.
During her court appearance, defence lawyer Dean Paquette explained that Walker and her husband had been drinking on the night of Dec. 26 and got into an argument that caused her "to feel compelled that she needed to leave the house to cool things down."
This was a bad decision, he said.
But Paquette also spoke of Walker's quick action to deal with the matter, including immediately paying for the broken fence.
He estimated the collateral consequences will cost at least $20,000.
"So she is paying a very steep price financially for that mistake," Paquette said.
Mike Thomas, president of the Hamilton Police Association, said he has known Walker for years and called her "a terrific police officer" and said her actions that night were "completely out of character."
"She disappointed herself, her family and the police service," Thomas said, but added she has not tried to skirt responsibility.
"I think Kim (Walker) is incredibly remorseful for her actions that night and the mistake will haunt her for the rest of her life," he said.
Walker, reached at her Mount Hope home, declined comment.
noreilly@thespec.com
905-526-3199
Sorce:The Spec
April 28, 2010
Nicole O'Reilly
The Hamilton Spectator
(Apr 28, 2010)
A 16-year veteran Hamilton police officer has been found guilty of discreditable conduct and faces a more than year-long demotion following a Christmastime crash and impaired driving conviction.
Constable Kim Walker, 42, was handed a 14-month demotion from a first class constable to a second class constable yesterday after a Police Services Act tribunal. She is doing downtown core patrol while she is banned from driving.
The professional disciplinary measure follows an impaired driving guilty plea and conviction last month. Walker received a 15-month driving suspension and $1,500 fine. A second criminal charge for failing to remain at the scene was withdrawn.
Walker, who was off duty, drove her SUV into a hydro transformer and through a three-metre-tall fence at a Mount Hope townhouse complex around 4 a.m. on December 27.
No one was injured.
Homeowner Cathy Robertson told The Spectator she got out of her bed and saw the grey SUV had smashed through the fence, stopping within a couple of metres of her home.
Police found Walker stumbling and falling along a road around 6 a.m., Crown counsel Brian O'Marra told Ontario Court Justice Bernd Zabel last month. Officers detected "a strong odour of alcoholic beverage" and her "eyes were glassy."
She immediately confessed and co-operated. The first breathalyser at 6:58 a.m. registered 170 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
Walker's immediate admission of guilt and otherwise clean record were referred to in the findings. A number of colleagues wrote glowing letters of reference.
"From all of the evidence presented, P.C. Walker has the potential to continue as a police officer and to provide value to the Hamilton Police Service and the citizens within this community," read the findings of Superintendent Michael Shea released yesterday.
Police Chief Glenn De Caire could not be reached for comment.
"The matter is concluded and the decision speaks for itself," said spokesperson Catherine Martin.
During her court appearance, defence lawyer Dean Paquette explained that Walker and her husband had been drinking on the night of Dec. 26 and got into an argument that caused her "to feel compelled that she needed to leave the house to cool things down."
This was a bad decision, he said.
But Paquette also spoke of Walker's quick action to deal with the matter, including immediately paying for the broken fence.
He estimated the collateral consequences will cost at least $20,000.
"So she is paying a very steep price financially for that mistake," Paquette said.
Mike Thomas, president of the Hamilton Police Association, said he has known Walker for years and called her "a terrific police officer" and said her actions that night were "completely out of character."
"She disappointed herself, her family and the police service," Thomas said, but added she has not tried to skirt responsibility.
"I think Kim (Walker) is incredibly remorseful for her actions that night and the mistake will haunt her for the rest of her life," he said.
Walker, reached at her Mount Hope home, declined comment.
noreilly@thespec.com
905-526-3199
Justice for Stephen
Source:Toronto Sun
Family wants answers after man badly injured in confrontation with cops
Columnists / Michele Mandel
This was her late son we were writing about.
Janet Gregory picked up the Sunday Sun last week and read in horror about an unnamed diabetic driver who was allegedly beaten by York Regional Police last year after he lapsed into a coma and was mistaken for being drunk.
She read about how tow truck drivers Rob and Andrea Mileto were coming forward to say they’d witnessed the whole thing and have been harassed by the cops ever since.
About how they were now willing to tell their disturbing tale to the Special Investigations Unit, which had previously looked into the May 14 incident and found no police wrongdoing.
Gregory read the story and wept, for it was her son Stephen who was badly injured that day.
It was her son, who she had just buried, and who would now never see the justice he sought.
Stephen Gregory, the 49-year-old father of four sons, died suddenly of an unrelated heart attack April 15.
Eleven months before, the small business owner was on his way to a Mr. Sub in Woodbridge when he lapsed into a diabetic coma and rear-ended another driver at Hwy. 7 and Weston Rd.
Andrea Mileto was in his tow truck that afternoon and went over to check on the accident.
The impact was so light that there was barely any damage to the other car’s bumper and the air bags hadn’t deployed. But the driver was unresponsive and his eyes appeared rolled back in his head.
Mileto called 911 and said the man seemed to be suffering from some kind of medical condition.
But when police arrived, Mileto says they seemed to become quickly frustrated that the dazed driver refused to get out of the car or identify himself.
His brother was watching from a nearby tow truck and they both claim they then saw one officer pummelling the man’s right arm and shoulder with his baton to loosen his grip from the steering wheel and at least two others punching him repeatedly after they dragged him out of his van and handcuffed him.
It was only after reading the brothers’ account of what they witnessed that Stephen’s family finally made sense of his extensive injuries.
Alan Gregory had rushed to York Finch Hospital after getting a call from police that his older brother had been in a minor fender-bender.
“He was an absolute mess, like he had been beaten up badly,” he recalls, as he scrolls through a CD of photos showing his badly bruised brother. “He had a huge welt on his forehead, bruised ribs and his shoulder was broken and in a sling.”
Stephen told them he couldn’t remember much.
“He had a memory of being pulled out of the van and being on the ground with cuts and gravel on his face and with handcuffs on him,” his brother says. “He was screaming at the officers to remove the cuffs because his shoulder was in extensive pain.”
He says an officer was in the hospital room and apologized for what had happened, saying the police thought Stephen was drunk. But his family and friends don’t understand how that would excuse what happened.
“He was only 150 pounds, he wasn’t a big guy,” says his best friend, Peter Johnson. “Just because people aren’t complying doesn’t mean you do this.”
York Regional Police deny there was any beating, but acknowledge that officers on the scene initially thought Stephen had been drinking and only later realized he was suffering from a severe drop in his blood sugar.
The injured man contacted a lawyer soon after and planned to sue the police, his family says.
“He was bloody angry and he was in a lot of pain,” his mom says. “He wanted to make sure that officers have special training so they can recognize the difference between a drunk person and a diabetic.”
SIU investigator Jon Ansell says they spoke to Stephen but he couldn’t recall much of what transpired. Andrea Mileto was also interviewed, he says, but gave a completely different statement than the one he’s offering now. “We exonerated the police based in part on what Mileto told us,” explains Ansell, who now plans to re-interview the tow truck driver.
The SIU, he says, found the police had a lawful reason to arrest Stephen for failing to identify himself because he appeared impaired and wouldn’t open the car door. “We determined that during the arrest process the (shoulder) injury likely occurred.”
But how can fracturing a man’s shoulder be justifiable?
It isn’t. As they should, his family is calling on the SIU to reopen the case now that these tow truck drivers have come forward.
After reading last week’s story, Stephen’s mother called to thank the Woodbridge men. “I can’t believe how brave they are,” she says. “We think those guys should get a medal.”
And as she says that, she is fighting back tears, wishing her son had lived long enough to know he was not alone.
“I just want justice for my brother,” adds Gregory. “I think they should lose their jobs for sure. Nobody should be doing that. It was absolutely dreadful.”
michele.mandel@sunmedia.ca or 416-947-2231
Family wants answers after man badly injured in confrontation with cops
Columnists / Michele Mandel
This was her late son we were writing about.
Janet Gregory picked up the Sunday Sun last week and read in horror about an unnamed diabetic driver who was allegedly beaten by York Regional Police last year after he lapsed into a coma and was mistaken for being drunk.
She read about how tow truck drivers Rob and Andrea Mileto were coming forward to say they’d witnessed the whole thing and have been harassed by the cops ever since.
About how they were now willing to tell their disturbing tale to the Special Investigations Unit, which had previously looked into the May 14 incident and found no police wrongdoing.
Gregory read the story and wept, for it was her son Stephen who was badly injured that day.
It was her son, who she had just buried, and who would now never see the justice he sought.
Stephen Gregory, the 49-year-old father of four sons, died suddenly of an unrelated heart attack April 15.
Eleven months before, the small business owner was on his way to a Mr. Sub in Woodbridge when he lapsed into a diabetic coma and rear-ended another driver at Hwy. 7 and Weston Rd.
Andrea Mileto was in his tow truck that afternoon and went over to check on the accident.
The impact was so light that there was barely any damage to the other car’s bumper and the air bags hadn’t deployed. But the driver was unresponsive and his eyes appeared rolled back in his head.
Mileto called 911 and said the man seemed to be suffering from some kind of medical condition.
But when police arrived, Mileto says they seemed to become quickly frustrated that the dazed driver refused to get out of the car or identify himself.
His brother was watching from a nearby tow truck and they both claim they then saw one officer pummelling the man’s right arm and shoulder with his baton to loosen his grip from the steering wheel and at least two others punching him repeatedly after they dragged him out of his van and handcuffed him.
It was only after reading the brothers’ account of what they witnessed that Stephen’s family finally made sense of his extensive injuries.
Alan Gregory had rushed to York Finch Hospital after getting a call from police that his older brother had been in a minor fender-bender.
“He was an absolute mess, like he had been beaten up badly,” he recalls, as he scrolls through a CD of photos showing his badly bruised brother. “He had a huge welt on his forehead, bruised ribs and his shoulder was broken and in a sling.”
Stephen told them he couldn’t remember much.
“He had a memory of being pulled out of the van and being on the ground with cuts and gravel on his face and with handcuffs on him,” his brother says. “He was screaming at the officers to remove the cuffs because his shoulder was in extensive pain.”
He says an officer was in the hospital room and apologized for what had happened, saying the police thought Stephen was drunk. But his family and friends don’t understand how that would excuse what happened.
“He was only 150 pounds, he wasn’t a big guy,” says his best friend, Peter Johnson. “Just because people aren’t complying doesn’t mean you do this.”
York Regional Police deny there was any beating, but acknowledge that officers on the scene initially thought Stephen had been drinking and only later realized he was suffering from a severe drop in his blood sugar.
The injured man contacted a lawyer soon after and planned to sue the police, his family says.
“He was bloody angry and he was in a lot of pain,” his mom says. “He wanted to make sure that officers have special training so they can recognize the difference between a drunk person and a diabetic.”
SIU investigator Jon Ansell says they spoke to Stephen but he couldn’t recall much of what transpired. Andrea Mileto was also interviewed, he says, but gave a completely different statement than the one he’s offering now. “We exonerated the police based in part on what Mileto told us,” explains Ansell, who now plans to re-interview the tow truck driver.
The SIU, he says, found the police had a lawful reason to arrest Stephen for failing to identify himself because he appeared impaired and wouldn’t open the car door. “We determined that during the arrest process the (shoulder) injury likely occurred.”
But how can fracturing a man’s shoulder be justifiable?
It isn’t. As they should, his family is calling on the SIU to reopen the case now that these tow truck drivers have come forward.
After reading last week’s story, Stephen’s mother called to thank the Woodbridge men. “I can’t believe how brave they are,” she says. “We think those guys should get a medal.”
And as she says that, she is fighting back tears, wishing her son had lived long enough to know he was not alone.
“I just want justice for my brother,” adds Gregory. “I think they should lose their jobs for sure. Nobody should be doing that. It was absolutely dreadful.”
michele.mandel@sunmedia.ca or 416-947-2231
Police union president fined five days’ pay
Source:Toronto Star
By Rosie DiManno
Columnist
Mike McCormack, president of the Toronto Police Association, has been fined five days — or 40 hours — on his conviction of insubordination while a member of the police service.
His defence lawyer says McCormack is no longer a cop and the penalty can’t be extracted. “Mr. McCormack doesn’t work for the services anymore,” said Peter Brauti. “He’s turned in his badge. He’s turned in his gun. He’s paid by the police association.’’
The tribunal prosecutor says McCormack in on secondment to the union and the fine will kick in when — if — he returns to active duty. “You’re a police officer until you resign, retire or die,” said Insp. Scott Gilbert.
McCormack did not attend the sentencing Wednesday morning before Supt. Jane Wilcox, who also presided over last year’s Police Act hearing and found the 23-year veteran guilty of insubordination.
Wilcox accepted Gilbert’s submission that five days was an appropriate forfeiture on the charge, in which he cited similar cases in the past involving other officers. Five days, Wilcox agreed, fit “exactly within the range of penalties” for an officer with a commendable history of service and a high potential of rehabilitation, as well as satisfying the public interest and sending a message of deterrence.
McCormack, who won the union election last October with a narrow margin of 106 votes, told the Star he has no immediate intention of appealing the decision. “It’s an administrative charge, like not completing your paperwork or not wearing black socks with your uniform. I wouldn’t say it’s a blow to my professional reputation.”
He added: “I still believe the tribunal came to the wrong conclusion but I respect the process. I’m glad it’s over with.”
McCormack was charged for running the name of former Star reporter John Duncanson, an award-winning journalist who specialized in covering police corruption, through three law enforcement databases in January 2008.
At his hearing, McCormack testified that Duncanson had called him on his cellphone and requested a meeting. “He (said he) had information for me,” the officer told his hearing, adding that Duncanson told him he was facing impaired driving charges. McCormack claimed he checked the databases “to see if John was wanted or should be in court.”
Duncanson died in January 2009 after a long battle with alcoholism, leaving behind three young children.
Some of the stories Duncanson wrote involved McCormack’s brother, William Jr., who, along with one-time union head Rick McIntosh, had been indicted on corruption charges for allegedly soliciting and accepting bribes from nightclub owners in Toronto’s Entertainment District. Those charges were stayed when Justice Bonnie Croll ruled the two men’s right to a fair trial had been breached by the Crown’s excessive delays in bringing the matter forward.
The father of the McCormack siblings is former Toronto police Chief William McCormack Sr.
At his own hearing, Mike McCormack maintained that he’d checked the databases to see if Duncanson was “wanted or should be in court” before agreeing to meet him. He repeated that rationale Wednesday. “I didn’t want to be meeting John if he was wanted.”
But Wilcox, in finding McCormack guilty of insubordination, said she didn’t believe the claim that he was carrying out police duties when he ran the checks, pointing out McCormack had not consulted the two databases that would have information about outstanding warrants and court dates.
Gilbert alleged the checks were done for personal reasons; Wilcox said, regardless of the reason, she did not believe it was done for police-related cause. “His stated reason . . . is incongruent with common sense, logic and his subsequent actions.”
McCormack was also charged with illegally taping conversations with Duncanson but that charge was dropped earlier.
This was not Mike McCormack’s first Police Act experience. In 2004, he was charged for allegedly helping a friend, Jeffrey Geller — a car salesman with known mob ties — get back his licence to sell cars. He was cleared.
Duncanson’s widow, Kelly Duncanson, was present for Wednesday’s sentencing but took only minimal satisfaction from the outcome.
“When the references were made to previous police officers abusing the database, they were doing it for their own friends or families whereas in this instance Mr. McCormack’s brother was involved in a corruption allegation and McCormack was using the database to keep track of John and his whereabouts. John was living in fear because McCormack would know where to find him.”
John Duncanson, of course, was not alive to participate in the proceedings.
“What would John think?” Kelly mused. “I think there’d be a small degree of satisfaction, knowing that it was recognized that (McCormack) did perform searches outside his jurisdiction.
“But, honestly, John would be worried s---less after this — that they would come get him.’’
By Rosie DiManno
Columnist
Mike McCormack, president of the Toronto Police Association, has been fined five days — or 40 hours — on his conviction of insubordination while a member of the police service.
His defence lawyer says McCormack is no longer a cop and the penalty can’t be extracted. “Mr. McCormack doesn’t work for the services anymore,” said Peter Brauti. “He’s turned in his badge. He’s turned in his gun. He’s paid by the police association.’’
The tribunal prosecutor says McCormack in on secondment to the union and the fine will kick in when — if — he returns to active duty. “You’re a police officer until you resign, retire or die,” said Insp. Scott Gilbert.
McCormack did not attend the sentencing Wednesday morning before Supt. Jane Wilcox, who also presided over last year’s Police Act hearing and found the 23-year veteran guilty of insubordination.
Wilcox accepted Gilbert’s submission that five days was an appropriate forfeiture on the charge, in which he cited similar cases in the past involving other officers. Five days, Wilcox agreed, fit “exactly within the range of penalties” for an officer with a commendable history of service and a high potential of rehabilitation, as well as satisfying the public interest and sending a message of deterrence.
McCormack, who won the union election last October with a narrow margin of 106 votes, told the Star he has no immediate intention of appealing the decision. “It’s an administrative charge, like not completing your paperwork or not wearing black socks with your uniform. I wouldn’t say it’s a blow to my professional reputation.”
He added: “I still believe the tribunal came to the wrong conclusion but I respect the process. I’m glad it’s over with.”
McCormack was charged for running the name of former Star reporter John Duncanson, an award-winning journalist who specialized in covering police corruption, through three law enforcement databases in January 2008.
At his hearing, McCormack testified that Duncanson had called him on his cellphone and requested a meeting. “He (said he) had information for me,” the officer told his hearing, adding that Duncanson told him he was facing impaired driving charges. McCormack claimed he checked the databases “to see if John was wanted or should be in court.”
Duncanson died in January 2009 after a long battle with alcoholism, leaving behind three young children.
Some of the stories Duncanson wrote involved McCormack’s brother, William Jr., who, along with one-time union head Rick McIntosh, had been indicted on corruption charges for allegedly soliciting and accepting bribes from nightclub owners in Toronto’s Entertainment District. Those charges were stayed when Justice Bonnie Croll ruled the two men’s right to a fair trial had been breached by the Crown’s excessive delays in bringing the matter forward.
The father of the McCormack siblings is former Toronto police Chief William McCormack Sr.
At his own hearing, Mike McCormack maintained that he’d checked the databases to see if Duncanson was “wanted or should be in court” before agreeing to meet him. He repeated that rationale Wednesday. “I didn’t want to be meeting John if he was wanted.”
But Wilcox, in finding McCormack guilty of insubordination, said she didn’t believe the claim that he was carrying out police duties when he ran the checks, pointing out McCormack had not consulted the two databases that would have information about outstanding warrants and court dates.
Gilbert alleged the checks were done for personal reasons; Wilcox said, regardless of the reason, she did not believe it was done for police-related cause. “His stated reason . . . is incongruent with common sense, logic and his subsequent actions.”
McCormack was also charged with illegally taping conversations with Duncanson but that charge was dropped earlier.
This was not Mike McCormack’s first Police Act experience. In 2004, he was charged for allegedly helping a friend, Jeffrey Geller — a car salesman with known mob ties — get back his licence to sell cars. He was cleared.
Duncanson’s widow, Kelly Duncanson, was present for Wednesday’s sentencing but took only minimal satisfaction from the outcome.
“When the references were made to previous police officers abusing the database, they were doing it for their own friends or families whereas in this instance Mr. McCormack’s brother was involved in a corruption allegation and McCormack was using the database to keep track of John and his whereabouts. John was living in fear because McCormack would know where to find him.”
John Duncanson, of course, was not alive to participate in the proceedings.
“What would John think?” Kelly mused. “I think there’d be a small degree of satisfaction, knowing that it was recognized that (McCormack) did perform searches outside his jurisdiction.
“But, honestly, John would be worried s---less after this — that they would come get him.’’
Monday, April 26, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Pembroke police officer charged in incident
Source: The Observer
A Pembroke Police officer has been suspended with pay after being charged with impaired driving.
Following an investigation, Constable Shawn Piercey has also been charged with having care and control of a motor vehicle while impaired and causing a disturbance in a public place.
In the early morning hours of April 4, officers from the Pembroke Police Service were called to an incident at the Irving Big Stop. Upon arrival it was determined two individuals had been involved in a disturbance. One of the parties involved was off-duty officer Const. Piercey.
The department conducted an internal investigation and forwarded the results to the Belleville Police Service for an independent review and determination if criminal charges were warranted. Following the review of the facts in the case, Const. Piercey was arrested April 22 by the Belleville Police Service. He was subsequently released on a promise to appear and is scheduled to be in Pembroke court May 25.
Pembroke Police Chief Dave Hawkins commented on the charges in a statement released Thursday.
"When a police officer is the subject of criminal charges it is not only a very unfortunate situation for the officer, but for the Police service as well," he wrote. "It is my belief that the public we serve holds police officers to a higher standard and accountability. In light of that, I feel it was incumbent on our police service to ensure that a fair and transparent investigation was conducted.
"It was at the conclusion of this investigation that charges were subsequently brought forward against Const. Piercey," Chief Hawkins The involved officer, a 10-year veteran of the service, is currently suspended with pay pursuant to the Police Services Act of Ontario."
The Professional Standards Bureau from another outside agency has agreed to conduct an investigation with respect to any potential breaches of the Police Services Act.
A Pembroke Police officer has been suspended with pay after being charged with impaired driving.
Following an investigation, Constable Shawn Piercey has also been charged with having care and control of a motor vehicle while impaired and causing a disturbance in a public place.
In the early morning hours of April 4, officers from the Pembroke Police Service were called to an incident at the Irving Big Stop. Upon arrival it was determined two individuals had been involved in a disturbance. One of the parties involved was off-duty officer Const. Piercey.
The department conducted an internal investigation and forwarded the results to the Belleville Police Service for an independent review and determination if criminal charges were warranted. Following the review of the facts in the case, Const. Piercey was arrested April 22 by the Belleville Police Service. He was subsequently released on a promise to appear and is scheduled to be in Pembroke court May 25.
Pembroke Police Chief Dave Hawkins commented on the charges in a statement released Thursday.
"When a police officer is the subject of criminal charges it is not only a very unfortunate situation for the officer, but for the Police service as well," he wrote. "It is my belief that the public we serve holds police officers to a higher standard and accountability. In light of that, I feel it was incumbent on our police service to ensure that a fair and transparent investigation was conducted.
"It was at the conclusion of this investigation that charges were subsequently brought forward against Const. Piercey," Chief Hawkins The involved officer, a 10-year veteran of the service, is currently suspended with pay pursuant to the Police Services Act of Ontario."
The Professional Standards Bureau from another outside agency has agreed to conduct an investigation with respect to any potential breaches of the Police Services Act.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Worth a mention
Source:KMOV.com
Illinois state trooper who killed two sisters pleads guilty
In case you have forgotten the double standard by which law is applied in North America, here's a reminder. The elites of society (e.g. law enforcement agents) are held to a far lower standard than the average person; cops routinely get "a pass" or a slap on the wrist on criminal activities for which non-elites serve hard, long time.
The Illinois state trooper who killed two sisters will not have to spend a day behind bars. A judge gave Matt Mitchell a plea deal for ten years ( 30 months each for four counts) probation. Since Mitchell plead guilty to felony charges he will never be allowed to be a police officer again. Mitchell will serve his sentence in Clinton County where he resides. In 2007 Mitchell's car wrecked with Jessica and Kelli Uhl killing them. Mitchell's attorney says his client was justified when he was driving 126 miles an hour just moments before the crash. Prosecutors say Mitchell was sending emails and talking on his phone. Illinois State Police released a statement Friday afternoon regarding Mitchell's guilty plea: "Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of those who were victims in this tragic incident. Now that the criminal proceedings have concluded, the Illinois State Police will move forward with the internal administrative process as expeditiously as possible, and will take the appropriate action that is warranted."
Additional details:
---The two dead girls were 18 and 13 years old.
---Mitchell was "on duty" at the time he drove across a median and killed the teenagers.
---He was not only driving full throttle, he was also "sending and receiving e-mails just 2.5 seconds before the impact....he also had been talking (with his girlfriend) on his cell phone moments before."
---He had been told approx. 6 minutes before the accident that he was no longer needed at another accident scene, which means he wasn't speeding in response to an emergency.
---He had a prior record of reckless driving; this is his 3rd major accident, one of which required a $1.7 million settlement. And, yet, he was back in the driver's seat of a cop car.
---A witness (Navy Chief Petty Officer J.W. James) claims that Mitchell had no siren on while speeding.
---This was on Black Friday, one of the most congested traffic days, during you would think a cop would be more careful than usual.
---At first, the police blamed a car that cut Mitchell off. The car was not found and the police refused to release a description. When witnesses contradicted this account, the police said 'well, may there wasn't another car. Mitchell's video recorder was either not on or not working. Another version said his car was without a Dash Camera, which is standard issue these days.
---It took over two and 1/2 years to work out the probation deal for Mitchell. Nevertheless, this is the first felony conviction in Illinois against a law officer in "a pursuit" that killed somebody. (I know the word "pursuit" is inaccurate but it is the word being used.)
---Two other people, including a pregnant woman, were injured in a separate vehicle.
---The victims' parents agreed to a plea deal on the charge of 'reckless homicide' because "there was no assurance of a conviction at trial" -- that is how difficult it is to convict a cop of anything.
---Part of the family's motive may be a civil suit for $24 million that they have brought against Mitchell and the police department; a guilty plea on his part facilitates a large settlement.
---The prosecuting attorney stated that Mitchell "will likely lose his job with the State Police"; he had relieved him of duty pending trial but continued to receive a salary. That's how they punish a recklessly homicidal cop? -- they give him a paid vacation?
---Why is his dismissal only likely. A guilty plea on a felony is not automatic grounds for dismissal?
What do you think would happen to an average Joe or Jill who killed two policemen or the children of policemen because they were texting while speeding? I suspect it would more than the 30-months probation Mitchell received. And what happens if he breaks probation? Does anyone seriously believe he would be arrested by a fellow-cop, a member of the brotherhood who saw him swig a beer?
Always remember that the police -- and not conventional criminals -- are the main threat to the safety of the average peaceful person. The police are there "to serve and protect" themselves and their employers -- the judicial system.
Illinois state trooper who killed two sisters pleads guilty
In case you have forgotten the double standard by which law is applied in North America, here's a reminder. The elites of society (e.g. law enforcement agents) are held to a far lower standard than the average person; cops routinely get "a pass" or a slap on the wrist on criminal activities for which non-elites serve hard, long time.
The Illinois state trooper who killed two sisters will not have to spend a day behind bars. A judge gave Matt Mitchell a plea deal for ten years ( 30 months each for four counts) probation. Since Mitchell plead guilty to felony charges he will never be allowed to be a police officer again. Mitchell will serve his sentence in Clinton County where he resides. In 2007 Mitchell's car wrecked with Jessica and Kelli Uhl killing them. Mitchell's attorney says his client was justified when he was driving 126 miles an hour just moments before the crash. Prosecutors say Mitchell was sending emails and talking on his phone. Illinois State Police released a statement Friday afternoon regarding Mitchell's guilty plea: "Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of those who were victims in this tragic incident. Now that the criminal proceedings have concluded, the Illinois State Police will move forward with the internal administrative process as expeditiously as possible, and will take the appropriate action that is warranted."
Additional details:
---The two dead girls were 18 and 13 years old.
---Mitchell was "on duty" at the time he drove across a median and killed the teenagers.
---He was not only driving full throttle, he was also "sending and receiving e-mails just 2.5 seconds before the impact....he also had been talking (with his girlfriend) on his cell phone moments before."
---He had been told approx. 6 minutes before the accident that he was no longer needed at another accident scene, which means he wasn't speeding in response to an emergency.
---He had a prior record of reckless driving; this is his 3rd major accident, one of which required a $1.7 million settlement. And, yet, he was back in the driver's seat of a cop car.
---A witness (Navy Chief Petty Officer J.W. James) claims that Mitchell had no siren on while speeding.
---This was on Black Friday, one of the most congested traffic days, during you would think a cop would be more careful than usual.
---At first, the police blamed a car that cut Mitchell off. The car was not found and the police refused to release a description. When witnesses contradicted this account, the police said 'well, may there wasn't another car. Mitchell's video recorder was either not on or not working. Another version said his car was without a Dash Camera, which is standard issue these days.
---It took over two and 1/2 years to work out the probation deal for Mitchell. Nevertheless, this is the first felony conviction in Illinois against a law officer in "a pursuit" that killed somebody. (I know the word "pursuit" is inaccurate but it is the word being used.)
---Two other people, including a pregnant woman, were injured in a separate vehicle.
---The victims' parents agreed to a plea deal on the charge of 'reckless homicide' because "there was no assurance of a conviction at trial" -- that is how difficult it is to convict a cop of anything.
---Part of the family's motive may be a civil suit for $24 million that they have brought against Mitchell and the police department; a guilty plea on his part facilitates a large settlement.
---The prosecuting attorney stated that Mitchell "will likely lose his job with the State Police"; he had relieved him of duty pending trial but continued to receive a salary. That's how they punish a recklessly homicidal cop? -- they give him a paid vacation?
---Why is his dismissal only likely. A guilty plea on a felony is not automatic grounds for dismissal?
What do you think would happen to an average Joe or Jill who killed two policemen or the children of policemen because they were texting while speeding? I suspect it would more than the 30-months probation Mitchell received. And what happens if he breaks probation? Does anyone seriously believe he would be arrested by a fellow-cop, a member of the brotherhood who saw him swig a beer?
Always remember that the police -- and not conventional criminals -- are the main threat to the safety of the average peaceful person. The police are there "to serve and protect" themselves and their employers -- the judicial system.
Dorion OPP ResignsOPP officer resigns before police hearing
Source:Northshore
A Dorion OPP officer charged with production and possession of a controlled substance has resigned from her position as a provincial constable.
Lynn MacKay, 50, was charged in October 2007, after marijuana plants were found in the Dorion-area home that she shared with her common-law husband. The criminal charges against MacKay were withdrawn in February 2009 when her partner pleaded guilty in criminal court.
A Police Hearing Act was scheduled for Monday for a charge of discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act, in connection with the incident. But OPP spokesperson Shelley Garr said that hearing was cancelled when MacKay submitted her resignation from the force.
MacKay became an OPP officer in 1993. She spent the majority of her career in London, Ont., before joining the Nipigon OPP in 2006.
She had been suspended with pay since the charges were laid in October 2007.
A Dorion OPP officer charged with production and possession of a controlled substance has resigned from her position as a provincial constable.
Lynn MacKay, 50, was charged in October 2007, after marijuana plants were found in the Dorion-area home that she shared with her common-law husband. The criminal charges against MacKay were withdrawn in February 2009 when her partner pleaded guilty in criminal court.
A Police Hearing Act was scheduled for Monday for a charge of discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act, in connection with the incident. But OPP spokesperson Shelley Garr said that hearing was cancelled when MacKay submitted her resignation from the force.
MacKay became an OPP officer in 1993. She spent the majority of her career in London, Ont., before joining the Nipigon OPP in 2006.
She had been suspended with pay since the charges were laid in October 2007.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Off-duty Ottawa police officer charged with impaired driving
Source: Ottawa Citizen
OTTAWA — An Ottawa police officer faces a charge of impaired driving after a vehicle was stopped on Sunday night.
At 11:28 p.m., off-duty officers stopped the vehicle and arrested the driver for driving while under the influence of alcohol.
A police media release identified the driver as Const. David Dubois. Dubois was off duty at the time.
He faces impaired driving charges.
Dubois will appear in court May 4. He has been reassigned to administrative and the Ottawa Police Service Professional Standards Section has begun an investigation.
"The Ottawa Police Service takes the conduct of its members very seriously and holds all sworn officer to a standard that is consistent with community expectations and their oath of office," noted Ottawa Chief Vern White in the media release.
OTTAWA — An Ottawa police officer faces a charge of impaired driving after a vehicle was stopped on Sunday night.
At 11:28 p.m., off-duty officers stopped the vehicle and arrested the driver for driving while under the influence of alcohol.
A police media release identified the driver as Const. David Dubois. Dubois was off duty at the time.
He faces impaired driving charges.
Dubois will appear in court May 4. He has been reassigned to administrative and the Ottawa Police Service Professional Standards Section has begun an investigation.
"The Ottawa Police Service takes the conduct of its members very seriously and holds all sworn officer to a standard that is consistent with community expectations and their oath of office," noted Ottawa Chief Vern White in the media release.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Hearings for two cops on hold until charges resolved
Source:The Hamilton Spectator
(Apr 17, 2010)
Disciplinary hearings for two Hamilton police constables charged with discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act have been put on hold until criminal charges against them are resolved in court.
The hearings were put put off at a hearing at the central police station yesterday.
Constable Shawn Smith is facing three counts of discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act in connection with incidents between October and Dec. 6 last year, for which he also faces criminal assault charges.
Those charges involve an assault on another person.
Smith is also facing three more counts under the Police Services Act including two counts of insubordination for alleged misuse of police resources on two occasions in November and December last year and one count of breach of confidence.
In a separate and unrelated hearing, a Police Services Act charge of discreditable conduct against Constable Brian Smith (no relation) were also put on hold pending the outcome of criminal charges in connection with alleged harassment and threatening of another person.
Both constables have been informed the Hamilton Police Service may seek their demotion or dismissal.
Hearing the police conduct charges will resume with 14 days notice after criminal charges have been dealt with.
(Apr 17, 2010)
Disciplinary hearings for two Hamilton police constables charged with discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act have been put on hold until criminal charges against them are resolved in court.
The hearings were put put off at a hearing at the central police station yesterday.
Constable Shawn Smith is facing three counts of discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act in connection with incidents between October and Dec. 6 last year, for which he also faces criminal assault charges.
Those charges involve an assault on another person.
Smith is also facing three more counts under the Police Services Act including two counts of insubordination for alleged misuse of police resources on two occasions in November and December last year and one count of breach of confidence.
In a separate and unrelated hearing, a Police Services Act charge of discreditable conduct against Constable Brian Smith (no relation) were also put on hold pending the outcome of criminal charges in connection with alleged harassment and threatening of another person.
Both constables have been informed the Hamilton Police Service may seek their demotion or dismissal.
Hearing the police conduct charges will resume with 14 days notice after criminal charges have been dealt with.
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They had No Choice!
They wore these or I took away thier toys for 7 days!
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"Damn Street Racer"pays with Brusies
