Pubdate: Fri, 20 Feb 2004 Source: Port Perry Star (CN ON) Copyright: 2004 Port Perry Star Co. Ltd. Contact: http://www.portperrystar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2533 Author: Rik Davie DURHAM DEU ACCUSSED OF WRONG DOING Three of Durham's most highly decorated police officers are under suspension after they refused to take part in videotaped interviews as part of a 12 month investigation into allegations of wrong doing on Durham's highly successful Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU). On Tuesday (Feb. 17) Corporate spokesperson for the DRPS, Dave Selby, confirmed what sources close to the case had told The Star earlier in the week.... that three officers had, after legal consultation, declined to be interviewed by OPP investigators. Mr. Selby was unable, however, to confirm or deny that the interviews were to be taped. The investigation into the unit, which was responsible for a huge number of marijuana grow house closures and the recovery of as much as $1 million in fraudulently obtained hydro fees in the time leading up to February 2003, began after allegations by a former member of the unit, according to sources close to the case. According to information obtained by The Star, the allegations could have an effect on over 100 cases now before the courts and some officers now under suspension are scheduled to testify in on going court cases. After 12 months, members of the OPP team looking into the allegations at the request of senior DRPS officers, had begun to request interviews with former members of the unit who had been transferred to other duties during the investigation. "Four former members of the drug unit were ordered to provide witness interviews in conjunction with the current OPP investigation," Mr. Selby said. "After consulting with council three of these officers declined to participate and, as a result of that they have been suspended from duty with pay." Doug Cavanaugh, President of the 900 member Durham Regional Police Association, said, in a prepared statement that the year-long investigation had taken a toll on his members. "The DRPA has lost any and all confidence in the OPP to conduct a fair and impartial investigation," Mr. Cavanaugh said. "And as such, supports their member's principled response and the decision to exercise their constitutional rights." Mr. Cavanaugh told The Star in an interview this week that he understands why his members refused to participate. When asked if his members had declined due to the videotaping of the interviews, Mr. cavanaugh refused to comment. "Let me say this," Mr. Cavanaugh said. "These officers were treated differently, in our view, from the other members of the service questioned or any other citizen. They have legal council and this decision was based on best advise from that council." The investigation was announced by the DRPS in February of 2003 and since then between 50 and 60 witnesses have been interviewed by OPP investigators. Only recently have the actual officers involved with the DEU been asked to give statements. Mr. Cavanaugh told The Star that he hopes the suspensions will be short-term. "They are suspended, not charged," Mr. Cavanaugh said. "I am not sure how long they can remain under suspension or if there is a time frame but it is certainly in their best interests if a decision is made soon as to whether or not to lay charges." Under the Police Services Act officers can be suspended pending charges and are required to report to work and sign in each shift at which time they simply go home, according to Mr. Cavanaugh. Sources close to the DRPS are filled with rumours about what instituted the original charges but no statements from either side in the case have been forthcoming while the investigation drags on. No names of officers have been released but Mr. Selby told The Star that could change. "When and if charges are laid and the media requests it, we would release the officers names," Mr. Selby said. "The Durham Regional Police Service prides itself on being an open and accountable body and when things of this type happen we do our best within legal parameters to keep the public informed." Mr. Cavanaugh said that the matter was vital to all of his members. "Our members take their jobs seriously in protecting the public," Mr. Cavanaugh said, "but they should not, and will not, give up their civil rights when they punch in to work their shifts. I have absolutely no doubt that these officers will be cleared of any wrong doing. They are among our finest." - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake