ComPol Williams Says Police Department Must Enforce Discipline

According to Commissioner Williams, the police department has been grappling with the issue of public perception where it concerns intra-departmental discipline of its officers. The fact that the former adjudicator was too lenient in dispensing justice placed the department under heavy scrutiny.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“We cannot be here saying that we are serious about enforcing discipline and serious about enforcing that our officers walk a straight line then those persons who are to see that the punishment fits the crime or the infraction are the ones who are being too lenient.  That does not serve as a form of deterrent, officers who always feel comfortable committing disciplinary infractions because they know when they go before the adjudicator he will slap them on the wrist and they will go about their business.  We cannot send that message to the public.  We must show the public that we are serious about ensuring that discipline is maintained and that our officers treat the public with a certain level of respect and where there is a breakdown of that trust and confidence there must be a system in place to hold the officers accountable.  And when we have an adjudicator who is operating contrary to that then there is no need for him to be an adjudicator.”

Reporter

“How long has this kind of behavior been happening and also what kind of recourse will be taken, particularly for those officer who may have been found guilty of an infraction to ensure that their infraction goes on their record?”

Chester Williams

Chester Williams

“Well I have tasked the legal officer because, again, the Police Act does make provision that where the commissioner is not satisfied with the sentence demitted by the adjudicator or where the presenter is not satisfied, the presenter can apply to the commissioner for a review of the sentence.”