Halton police chief addresses video that led to suspension: Officer's actions ‘erode your trust in us’

Halton police Chief Stephen Tanner says he is extremely concerned" about the incident captured on video showing one of his officers repeatedly shoving an individual in an outdoor plaza, with Tanner adding that we know the video shows actions that erode your trust in us."

Tanner's news release Sunday confirmed Oakville Mayor Rob Burton's statement that the shoving officer had been suspended. An investigation has been launched, but the chief added that he is concerned by the actions of all four officers who were present at the time of the incident," all of them visible in the video that began drawing attention on the weekend.

The chief's statement revealed that police believe the incident occurred in Oakville in April, though Tanner did not learn of it until this weekend.

Immediately upon learning of this incident, the officer who made direct physical contact with the individual was suspended from duty. That is a decision that I am responsible for as your Chief of Police," read the statement.

Since the video on the incident, apparently near Third Line and Dundas Street W., was posted on Saturday, Tanner said, that emails, voice mails and social-media comments show that many have demanded the firing of the officer involved. However, according to the Police Services Act of Ontario, the only immediate disciplinary option is suspension with pay. Tanner said police chiefs and police services boards have long sought the option for suspension without pay.

The reality is that we must ensure that we conduct a full and fair investigation, as always, and pursue charges as appropriate," he said.

There are two processes involving an incident like this, the first involving a criminal investigation and potential charges via the normal court process. The separate question of employee discipline would proceed under the Police Services Act.

Unfortunately, both these processes take time depending on the circumstances; this understandably leads to frustration for many involved in the system and for those watching the process," Tanner's statement read.

Burton had tweeted on Saturday that The treatment of the youth by the officer does not fit the standards of the Halton police under any circumstances. I deplore the unprofessional and undisciplined behaviour displayed in the video."

Raneem Alozzi is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @r_alozzi