Windsor police constable demoted for not disclosing relationship with victim
A Windsor police officer with more than 18 years of experience has been demoted because he did not disclose to his supervisors he was in a relationship with a victim involved in an investigation.
As of Aug. 21, 2022, Sr. Const. Peter Burke will be demoted to First Class Const. for one year.
According to union president Shawn McCurdy, the demotion results in a $17,000 reduction in pay and he says it could result in loss of future raises or promotions.
McCurdy tells CTV News Burke pleaded guilty to three counts of insubordination and one count of discreditable conduct for a relationship that started in 2017 and concluded in 2020.
McCurdy says Burke did not follow conflict of interest directives by “not notifying his supervisor of a relationship with an individual who was deemed to be a victim of crime.”
He says Burke was in the Major Crimes Unit and then the Special Victims Unit of the police force while in a relationship with the victim.
“It was quite a shock,” McCurdy says when the offences were first laid this past June. “(Burke) has an impeccable record and is an extremely valuable member of the Windsor Police Service.”
During the Police Services Board hearings, McCurdy says Burke provided a “genuine statement” of remorse, and apologized to his family, the victim and her family and the entire Windsor Police Service.
Burke has no prior disciplinary action against him in his time as an officer in Windsor.
In a written statement to CTV News, Windsor Police confirm Burke pleaded guilty back in June to the offences.
“The Windsor Police Service Professional Standards Branch launched an investigation immediately upon receiving the complaint and wants the public to know that we do hold our officers accountable when there is misconduct and our actions serve the public interest,” the statement reads.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What Trudeau's podcast appearances say about the Liberals' next ballot box question
Trudeau recently appeared on four podcasts as he travels the country talking up the Liberals' latest budget, which he's pitching as a plan to inject more economic fairness into society for those under 40 — a cohort that has kept Trudeau in power since 2015 but is increasingly turning to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.
Chants of 'shame on you' greet guests arriving for the annual White House correspondents' dinner
An election-year roast of U.S. President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents' dinner Saturday.
What is a 'halal mortgage'? Does it make housing more accessible?
The 2024 federal budget announced on April 16 included plans to introduce “halal mortgages” as a way to increase access to home ownership.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after return to New York from upstate prison
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction.