Police Chief calling for changes to officers being paid during appeals process
Posted Jul 9, 2015 05:30:46 AM.
Last Updated Jul 9, 2015 09:26:03 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Waterloo Regional Police Chief Bryan Larkin is calling on the province to change legislation which currently allows police officers who are criminally charged to continue to receive their salaries while the case is going through the appeals process.
Larkin presented an email to the Police Services Board yesterday from former regional police officer Craig Markham. Markham was charged with and later pleaded guilty to a charge of breach of trust.
Larkin was upset by an email Markham sent to police service’s solicitor back in March.
Markham said, among other things, “I am very thankful and fortunate to have received such a nice gift from WRPS over the last three years. You have opened up other doors for me and have paid me to sit back and watch. What a dream come true.”
“It’s somewhat offensive and disappointing and frustrating, when somebody mocks the process that is supposed to protect those other members, who work within the system…It reiterates for me and causes concerns that it’s time for action and time for change.” Larkin tells 570 News.
He adds that Ontario is the only province where chiefs don’t have the process where they can suspend without pay.
“…I feel sad for our other members who are exposed and have to go through this…I just think it’s unacceptable.” adds Larkin.
