Guelph Police Officer Facing Discreditable Conduct Charge

Background of the Incident

A Guelph police officer is facing a discreditable conduct charge under the Police Services Act (PSA) after an investigation by the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD).

The charge stems from an incident that occurred on May 12, 2022, while the officer was on duty.

Details of the Charge

According to the notice of hearing, the officer is accused of engaging in discreditable conduct by:

• Failing to comply with the PSA and the Guelph Police Service's policies and procedures.
• Conducting themselves in a manner that discredit the reputation of the Guelph Police Service.
• Engaging in discreditable conduct while off duty.

The specific details of the alleged misconduct have not been released to the public.

Next Steps in the Process

The officer has been suspended from duty with pay, as per Guelph Police Service policy.

A hearing date has been set for August 28, 2023, at the Ontario Civilian Police Commission in Toronto.

The hearing will be open to the public, and the officer has the right to be represented by legal counsel.

Possible Outcomes of the Hearing

If the officer is found guilty of discreditable conduct, they could face a range of penalties, including:

• Dismissal from the police force
• Demotion
• Suspension without pay
• Reprimand

The penalty imposed will depend on the severity of the misconduct and the officer's disciplinary history.

Transparency and Accountability

The Guelph Police Service is committed to transparency and accountability in all aspects of its operations.

The OIPRD is an independent civilian agency that investigates complaints against police officers in Ontario.

The hearing process is designed to ensure that allegations of police misconduct are dealt with fairly and impartially.