Halton Police Chief issues statement regarding video of officer assaulting civilian in Oakville
Published June 21, 2020 at 10:33 pm
Halton Police Chief Stephen Tanner has issued his response to a video
Halton Police Chief Stephen Tanner has issued his response to a video that recently began circulating on social media, depicting a Halton Police officer physically assaulting a civilian in Oakville.
Tanner said he was greatly concerned with the actions of all four officers who were present, and acknowledged that the video could erode the public’s trust in the police.
“I fully understand the concerns voiced by our residents about this incident. And through emails, voicemails and social media comments since yesterday, I recognize that many have demanded the immediate firing of the individual involved,” Tanner said.
“The reality is that we must ensure that we conduct a full and fair investigation, as always, and pursue charges as appropriate.”
The chief says the officer who made direct physical contact with the civilian has been suspended with pay, which he notes is the only immediate option available to a Chief of Police.
Videos
“While police chiefs and Police Services Boards have long sought to have the option for suspension without pay, this has yet to become a reality in the new Police Services Act,” said Tanner.
Tanner noted that there are two processes going forward: A criminal investigation that would proceed through a normal court, and a police discipline investigation, which is a separate charge-like process that proceeds under the Police Services Act of Ontario.
However, Tanner acknowleged that both these processes take time, which “understandably leads to frustration for many involved in the system and for those watching the process through the lens of the public.”
“Nonetheless, they are the systems that we must function within,” said Tanner, who concluded by assuring the public that the individuals involved would be disciplined accordingly.
The video in question depicts an officer physically assaulting and shoving a male civilian, at one point pushing him to the ground and hitting him with a bag, while three other officers stand by.
While the circumstances of the incident have not yet been disclosed, police believe it happened in April 2020.
Oakville Mayor Rob Burton weighed in on the incident, tweeting that he “deplores the unprofessional and undisciplined behaviour” and applauded police for suspending the officer and launching an investigation.
Chief Tanner’s full statement can be read here.
With files from The Canadian Press
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