Pubdate: Wed, 12 May 2004 Source: Barrie Advance, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2004 Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing Contact: http://www.simcoe.com/sc/barrie/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2192 Author: Bruce Hain BARRIE COP SUSPENDED IN DRUG CASE An eight-year veteran of the Barrie Police Service has been suspended, with pay, after charges were made that he purchased illegal drugs while on duty. Const. Rod Hackett, who joined Barrie Police in April 1997, was suspended from his duties Tuesday morning. The suspension came after a brief announcement read by police chief Wayne Frechette at a hastily called, and short press conference, at the Police Services building on Bell Farm Road. Frechette said that "as a result of an investigation into allegations that he purchased illegal drugs while on duty," Hackett was suspended. To aid in the investigation, "Barrie Police Service has obtained the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police to investigate all aspects of this matter thoroughly," Frechette added. Frechette was accompanied by deputy chief Steve Rogers at the press briefing. After reading a short prepared statement, Frechette left the room quickly, taking no questions and refusing to make any further comment. Barrie Police media liaison officers also stated the service had no additional comment. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh