A recent survey of Ontario police boards shows strong support for the idea of giving police chiefs the authority to suspend officers accused of serious misconduct without pay.
Sarnia Police Chief Phil Nelson supports the idea, however, he believes there would have to be criteria in place to avoid an abuse of power.
"I think we should, but I also think it's going to have to come with checks and balances in place, because I know that the Police Association of Ontario is actually going to argue about giving too much power to chiefs, to arbitrarily suspend someone without pay," says Nelson. "I think it has to be cases by case, you have to look at the seriousness of the offence and the impact upon the service."
Nelson says right now, if an officer is charged with a criminal offence, provincial offence or any act against the code of conduct, the chief may suspend them, but with pay.
The survey was conducted as the province considers possible changes to the Police Services Act, which hasn't been updated for over 25 years.