Pubdate: Wed, 28 Apr 2010
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2010 Canwest Publishing Inc.
Contact: http://www.canada.com/theprovince/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Larry Comeau

PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE

Regarding Vancouver police Chief Jim Chu firing "rogue cop" Const. 
Peter Hodson: if only things were as easy as a simple firing. Every 
policing organization likely has had the occasion where it would like 
to fire such an officer. But after nearly 40 years in the RCMP I can 
attest that outright firing, prior to criminal charges being dealt 
with in an appropriate forum, is not done.

Not only do such action lead to expensive law suits against the 
organization if the charges don't result in a conviction, but even 
police officers are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

The public has every right to expect police officers to obey the laws 
they take an oath to uphold. But this doesn't mean they shouldn't be 
afforded due process when they breach such laws. Outright firing is a 
presumption of guilt before trial.

Larry Comeau, Ottawa
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart