Thursday, March 28, 2024

Timer

Cop on trial announces retirement

First Published:

[projekktor src=’https://488b0f6bbd6e1f02d285-a9990803a5649dd3960d912508d8bce9.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/2013-1128-DoelHearingEndsEN6.mp4′ poster=”]

It’s not often you hear a Chief of Police outraged about something that’s gone on in his own force. But it’s clear that’s how Hamilton police Chief Glenn de Caire feels now that suspended police Inspector David Doel is no longer facing police act charges for allegedly having sex on duty pornography on his work computer, and using police resources for personal reasons. As Lisa Hepfner reports, Doel’s dodging the charges because he’s announced his retirement.

David Doel rushed out after a minutes-long tribunal hearing, in which police lawyer Lynda Bordeleau said Doel’s intention to retire on March 31 of next year meant the hearing would be stayed and the charges dropped. Hamilton Police Chief Glenn de Caire is frustrated: “I actually have no ability to refuse a resignation or retirement. So once an officer decides that, it’s very clear. We lose jurisdiction in the case and we cannot proceed any further.

Doel’s lawyer wasn’t there. Harry Black, seen here with his client earlier in the week, was responsible for most of the delays that stalled the proceedings for four years, while Inspector Doel collected more than half a million dollars in salary. Doel will retire six months before he’s eligible for a full pension.

De Caire: “What we have on our hands is a system full of legislative waste. The fundamental issue is that the taxpayer should not be on the hook years and years at a time, when we have no connection to the misconduct that we allege took place in our workplace.”

Doel lives with his wife and children in this home on Tally Ho drive in Dundas. Neighbours say it’s worth at least $850,000 and that he moved from a smaller home across the street after winning $1.7 million in a 2003 lottery windfall, along with several other officers.

The allegations that will never be tested, were that he had an affair with a police employee, and after it was over, that he used police equipment and information to stalk her.

De Caire: “We have 800 officers. We put 1,2,3 matters before the tribunal every year, so it’s relatively rare.”

I also spoke with Police Board Chair Bernie Morelli who agrees the process has to change. He says the half million Doel collected in salary pales compared to what is likely millions in legal bills over the past four years. Although Hamilton police didn’t have those exact figures for me. The chief says the assumption of innocence is fine. But there is a requisite duty to be timely so the taxpayer is not on the hook. He’s also concerned that Doel’s hearing was to be held entirely behind closed doors. He says there is some info that should be heard in camera but that shouldn’t be the norm. He says the bar is very very high for in camera hearings, and that bar is rarely met.

 

More Top News

Man crashes car in Stoney Creek after fleeing traffic stop

A Hamilton man is facing charges after he allegedly tried to flee a traffic stop and then crashed his vehicle in the city's east...

Town of Huntsville confirms it was hit by ransomware attack

A town in Ontario's Muskoka region has shared more details about a cybersecurity incident earlier this month. The Town of Huntsville says it was hit...

Evening weather forecast for March 27, 2024

Shelly Marriage shares the forecast for March 27, 2024 and the days ahead.

Sister of man involved in Burlington hit-and-run speaks out

The sister of a man struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run in Burlington on Sunday is speaking out. She says she's not sure if...

Horwath to veto council’s decision not to build affordable housing on Stoney Creek parking lots

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath says she's using her "strong mayor" powers to veto city council's decision not to move forward with a plan to...

Niagara police identify 2 people found dead in St. Catharines home

Niagara police have released the identities of the two people found dead in a home in St. Catharines on Monday. Officers were called to 47...