A London police officer has been charged with criminal harassment and assault following an investigation by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).
According to the SIU, the officer, whose name has not been released, allegedly engaged in a pattern of harassing and threatening behavior towards a woman over a period of several months.
The SIU was contacted by the London Police Service (LPS) in February 2021 after the woman reported the alleged incidents. The SIU is an independent agency that investigates incidents involving police officers in Ontario where there has been death, serious injury, or allegations of sexual assault.
The SIU conducted a thorough investigation, which included interviews with the woman, the accused officer, and several witnesses. As a result of their findings, the officer has been charged with one count of criminal harassment and one count of assault.
The officer has been released on a promise to appear in court on May 6, 2021. The LPS has also initiated an internal investigation into the matter.
In a statement, LPS Chief Steve Williams expressed his disappointment and concern over the allegations against one of his officers. He emphasized that the LPS takes all allegations of misconduct seriously and will cooperate fully with the SIU’s investigation.
The SIU is urging anyone with information about this case to come forward and contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529. They also remind the public that all persons charged with a criminal offense are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This incident serves as a reminder that police officers, like all individuals, are accountable for their actions. The SIU’s investigation and the LPS’s internal investigation will ensure that justice is served and that the public’s trust in law enforcement is maintained.
