A professional standards matter involving a Guelph police officer has been dropped.
But a person identified as the complainant in the case that led to a discreditable conduct charge against the officer didn’t go away from Thursday’s Police Services Act meeting quietly.
An “informal resolution” in the matter was reached between police chief Gord Cobey and the constable, an 11-year member of the force.
It’s not known what the allegation was, when the alleged incident happened, or details of the resolution.
After a review, the incident was determined to be “not of a serious nature.” LECA, the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency, agreed with that decision by Guelph police. Thursday's meeting was held to withdraw the charge and dismiss the case.
“So you have no dignity at all,” said the complainant, who is only identified by his Zoom screen name, 'Riley'.
The six-minute exchange featured a few back-and-forths and interruptions. It also saw Riley raise allegations of assault, and threats of kidnapping.
He took exception that the incident was “not of a serious nature.”
Riley said he was notified of the resolution, but didn’t agree with it.
Guelph police say a civilian complaint was filed in 2023 to what was then known as the Office of the Independent Police Review Director, now LECA.
Jessica Barrow, a lawyer representing the Guelph Police Service, said when it was determined it wasn’t serious, the chief and the officer are able to get together to agree on a penalty.
Riley filed an objection, and the officer and chief couldn’t agree on a penalty so a notice of hearing was served.
In between the serving of the notice and the meeting, the chief and officer came to an agreement.
“I’m in a position to withdraw,” said adjudicator Morris Albers.
Riley: “And you’re telling lies.”
Albers: “So that concludes the matter.”
Riley: “It doesn’t conclude anything.”
Riley continued to lay into those on the call, saying the decision shows “corruption” in both Guelph police and LECA, adding discreditable conduct is “not sufficient charges.”
He asked Albers if he is “going to do the right thing.”
“I’m doing the thing that I am allowed to do under the Police Services Act, and that is to withdraw this particular charge,” Albers answered.
“You're f---ing pathetic,” Riley said as the meeting ended. “Thanks for wasting all of our time.”
Police spokesperson Scott Tracey confirmed there are no outstanding criminal charges against the officer.
"As the complaint has proceeded as an internal disciplinary matter, the Guelph Police Service will not be commenting further," he added.
