London's police chief says he will notify the public every time one of his officers is charged with a crime.
John Pare spoke to reporters Friday and confirmed there are currently seven members of the London Police Service who are charged with criminal offences. However, because those cases are still before the courts, he did not take any questions about them. Of those seven cases, media releases were sent out by police in five. Pare says releases were not issued in the other two cases because the charges were domestic in nature. He also said it is police policy to not release the name of an accused if the release can lead to the identification of a victim in a domestic or sex related crime.
He added police have undertaken a review of how they release information when an officer is charged.
"In a commitment to transparency effective immediately, a media release will be issued if a London Police Service officer is charged with any Criminal Code offence," he said. "The extent of the information we are able to include in the media release, including the officer’s name, will continue to depend on the nature of the offence for the reasons I have specified."
Chief Pare also took a moment to address the rest of the London police service, both officers and civilian employees.
"I and the entire senior management team are very proud of you. We are proud that in the face of these challenging times, you continue to serve Londoners. I am proud that you continue to serve with integrity and compassion," he said. "These alleged actions of a few should not reflect on the hundreds who do the right thing every day. I sincerely thank you for your service and commitment."
Pare closed his statement by urging Londoners to "maintain their trust in the men and women who diligently serve this community."
Jeannette Eberhard, chair of the London Police Services Board, also spoke at Friday's news conference. She echoed Chief Pare's statement that, while it is unacceptable for officers to break the law, the alleged actions of the accused officers do not represent the London Police Service or its values.
"The Board recognizes that the allegations are serious. I would like to assure the public that the Board receives the appropriate updates regarding such charges and the manner in which they are resolved -- by the courts and, as appropriate, through a formal internal discipline process. I have confidence that the proper process is in place for the Board to identify and deal with any trends or issues that might concern us once these allegations are fully resolved," Eberhard said.
The list of charged London police officers can be viewed here.