Halton officer suspended after altercation with individual caught on video: Oakville Mayor
Posted June 20, 2020 5:58 pm.
Last Updated June 21, 2020 5:43 pm.
Oakville Mayor Rob Burton says the officer filmed pushing an individual in a viral video has been suspended as Halton police investigate the incident.
The video that is being circulated online appears to show four police officers at a plaza speaking with a male. One officer is shown shoving the individual at least twice in the video, including one time when he falls to the ground.
It’s unclear what happened to prior to the video being shot or what led to the incident in question.
Police Chief Stephen Tanner said in a statement Sunday they believe the incident took place in Oakville in April 2020.
“I am extremely concerned with what I have seen in this particular video, particularly the actions of all four officers who were present at the time of the incident,” said Tanner. “In accordance with the Police Services Act of Ontario, the only immediate option available to a Chief of Police is suspension from duty with pay.”
Burton said he condemned the actions of the officer and said he was glad the Halton Chief of Police had suspended the officer involved.
“The behaviour displayed in the video does not conform to the standards and the training of the Halton Police Service and I condemn it without reservation,” said Burton. “The Board and I will not stand for that kind of behaviour.”
Burton also tweeted that, “I deplore the unprofessional and undisciplined behaviour displayed in the video.”
Tanner added he understands the concerns of residents and that many have demanded the officers involved be fired.
“The one-thousand-plus members of our Service work day in and day out to foster and maintain a positive reputation with the members of the public that we serve. We know the video shows actions that erode your trust in us,” Tanner said. “As your chief of police, I can assure you that this matter will be dealt with appropriately and as swiftly as possible, and individual(s) disciplined accordingly.”
“We recognize this video raises a number of questions.” Halton Regional Police will look into what happened in this video between one alleged trespasser and four of its officers in Oakville, and then a further statement will be issued. @680NEWS pic.twitter.com/8N3BYoZyXg
— Mark Douglas (@DouglasCityNews) June 20, 2020
