A veteran South Simcoe Police officer charged with 9 counts of discreditable conduct beneath the Police Companies Act appeared briefly in a teleconference listening to Tuesday morning.
The looks got here one month after the costs have been introduced by his police service following an allegation of sexual assault involving two complainants.
The police service mentioned it obtained a criticism final October from the Workplace of the Unbiased Police Assessment Director alleging that Const. Paul Catling sexually assaulted a lady.
Catling has served in a number of roles for the service, together with site visitors enforcement and the marine unit. He has additionally been thought of a drug recognition professional by the service and offered media relations for South Simcoe Police.
The service mentioned it notified Ontario’s Particular Investigations Unit (SIU) of the allegation and Catling was assigned to administrative duties.
Whereas the SIU’s probe decided it couldn’t proceed with felony charges, a Police Companies Act investigation was warranted, ensuing within the accused being charged with 9 counts of discreditable conduct involving the 2 complainants.
The SIU confirmed it doesn’t publish the Director’s Report because of considerations the launched info “may further deter what is already an under-reported crime. In addition, publication could serve to undermine the heightened privacy interests of the involved parties, especially, the complainant.”
The South Simcoe Police Service says Catling has been off on go away.
In a press release issued in October, South Simcoe Police Chief John Van Dyke mentioned, “Transparency and accountability are basic to sustaining public belief. We acknowledge that an officer from the South Simcoe Police Service has been charged with discreditable conduct beneath the Police Companies Act.
I need to emphasize our dedication to holding each our officers and civilians to the very best requirements {of professional} conduct.”
The constable makes his subsequent look in two weeks as he retains counsel to obtain disclosure from the prosecution.
The teleconference listening to was presided over by retired OPP superintendent Morris Elbers.
With recordsdata from CTV’s Kim Phillips
