AN RCMP officer was handed a conditional discharge after pleading guilty to a charge of criminal harassment in provincial court here Dec. 5. He will also face a formal disciplinary hearing by the RCMP.
Chad King, a constable with the traffic services section for the northwest and stationed in Terrace, will have to follow probation conditions for one year to comply with the discharge, and if he does, he will not have a criminal record after that time.
On Aug. 19, 2011, King was arrested for criminal harassment “in regards to a family matter,” said Terrace RCMP at the time.
He was released on an undertaking with conditions that related to the people involved, said RCMP Inspector Dana Hart, who is in charge of the local detachment. At the time, King was not working and was on long-term leave but the reason for the leave wasn’t given.
“Const. King remains suspended at this time and is facing a formal disciplinary hearing,” said Sgt. Rob Vermeulen, senior media relations officer RCMP E Division Communication Services, last week.
He said a hearing date had not been set.
A formal disciplinary hearing is convened to hear testimony, receive evidence and make a decision with respect to the allegations of misconduct, Vermeulen explained.
The parties are usually represented by legal counsel, have a full and ample opportunity to present evidence, cross-examine witnesses and to make representation, he said.
The hearing board follows legal principles and weighs all the circumstances.
Even though King wasn’t working at the time of the incident, the RCMP Code of Conduct applies to officers at all times whether on or off duty, said Vermeulen.
King will also have to abide by a firearms prohibition for 10 years with conditions.
He was also ordered to pay a $50 victim fine surcharge.