'You're not supposed to appear in uniform at a public meeting like that': Planning, research consultant
London Police Service Chief Steve Williams says an investigation is being conducted after a member of the police service appeared at City Hall in uniform to express opposition to a proposed development.
Dozens were on hand at the Planning and Environment Committee meeting Monday afternoon to voice opposition to a proposal that would see two, five-unit townhouse buildings constructed at 489 Upper Queen St., a location previously occupied by a single home.
At one point, the officer in full uniform except for a hat, stepped up to the microphone to express her concerns.
"I couldn't help but be outside the other day looking at that area and thinking about the box that is going to be staring down at me in my backyard if this moves forward," stated the officer.
AJ Wray was watching the meeting online and admits being taken aback when the officer stepped to the microphone.
"I had to check that that officer was actually trying to make a public comment and wasn't just there to provide security for the meeting," Wray told CTV News.
He researches and consults on planning issues and has a particular interest in infill developments, like the one proposed for Upper Queen.
(Source: @WrayAJ/Twitter)When he recognized that the officer was in fact speaking out against the project, Wray took to social media, citing the Police Services Act and posting on Twitter, "You do not get to appear in uniform at a City Hall public participation meeting about a development application."
Still speaking to CTV News, Wray said, "Whether you're a police officer, a firefighter, or a paramedic, you're not supposed to appear in uniform at a public meeting like that."
After being contacted by CTV News, Chief Steve Williams issued a statement on social media that said, "This morning I became aware of a uniformed [London police] officer alleged to have attended City Hall yesterday providing personal views relative to a development application. Views expressed by the officer do not reflect the views of the LPS. The LPS has taken no official position relative to this application. I have directed an investigation into the conduct of the officer. The investigation will be conducted and information will be released as able in accordance with applicable legislation."
A request was made for further comment but to this point, that request has been declined.
Wray said it's important for those who wear a uniform to understand what that uniform may symbolize for others.
"People are afraid to be in front of police at certain occasions. They're made uncomfortable by police. We also know that police hold a significant amount of power and trust." He continued, "She is entitled to share her views, it is her property and she's nearby, but appearing in that uniform and giving that credibility to those comments can be quite intimidating."
Wray admitted there are times when police officers will appear in uniform to make deputations, like during budget proceedings related to the service or providing information to identify potential traffic safety concerns arising from a development.
In this case, Wray is not looking for serious repercussions. He believes this simply needs to be a matter of education, "...and an assurance that frontline officers are aware of their responsibilities under the [Police Services] Act and that they can't just appear in front of a public meeting and make statements."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Friday that Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.