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Demotions deemed appropriate for GSPS constables

Constables Labreche and Howard both plead guilty to discreditable conduct 
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Const. Christopher Labreche and Const. Kathryn Howard both pleaded guilty to one count of discreditable conduct. Superintendent Gould of the Waterloo Regional Police Service deemed it appropriate that both officers be demoted. File photo.

The Police Services Act hearings for Const. Christopher Labreche and Const. Kathryn Howard resumed Dec. 5 at 9 a.m. at Tom Davies Square. 

Superintendent Gould of the Waterloo Regional Police Service, who had been appointed as the Hearing Officer in this matter under the authority of the Police Services Act of Ontario, was presiding over Monday's hearings.

After reviewing the facts, Superintendent Gould deemed the following disposition appropriate:

  • Constable Labreche will be demoted from a First Class Constable to a Fourth Class Constable.
  • Constable Howard will be demoted from a First Class Constable to a Second Class Constable.

A Police Services Act Hearing is a discipline process that is based on the employee and employer relationship. At Monday's hearings both Const. Labreche and Const. Howard pled guilty to one count of discreditable conduct.

A joint presentation of facts and penalty submissions were presented to the Hearing Officer. 

As in any hearing, cases of a similar nature were brought forward to the Tribunal to support the appropriate disposition that was agreed upon by both officers and the Greater Sudbury Police Service. 

“I have confidence in the systems of accountability and discipline as outlined in the Police Services Act and that these principles were upheld in today’s decision. The Tribunal took in to account all of the complex issues at hand when considering its options," said GSPS Chief Paul Pedersen.

"It is never a proud moment when our members are found guilty of a breach of our Code of Conduct, however, these officers have accepted responsibility for their actions and we are prepared to move forward. Citizens can be assured that the actions of these officers are in no way a reflection of the professional and dedicated members of the Greater Sudbury Police, who serve this community every day with respect, honesty and integrity,” .

The Hearing Officer will provide full written submissions on the penalties in the new year.


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