'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
LIVE B.C. seeks ban on using drugs in 'all public spaces,' shifting approach to decriminalization
The B.C. government is moving to have drug use banned in 'all public spaces,' marking a major shift in the province's approach to decriminalization.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Trump's lawyers try to discredit testimony of prosecution's first witness in hush money trial
Donald Trump's defence team attacked the credibility Friday of the prosecution's first witness in his hush money case, seeking to discredit testimony detailing a scheme between Trump and a tabloid to bury negative stories to protect the Republican's 2016 presidential campaign.
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.
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.
Powerful tornado tears across Nebraska, weather service warns of 'catastrophic' damage
Devastating tornadoes tore across parts of eastern Nebraska and northeast Texas Friday as a multi-day severe thunderstorm event ramped up in the central United States.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.