Police board should request investigation

The fact that the Police Services Board has contacted the Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC) “seeking guidance” does not adequately address the concerns of many residents of Greater Sudbury.

Based on the barrage of questions in the Legislature’s daily Question Period, the opposition party and the third party are obviously concerned that the Police Services Board’s latest action of “seeking guidance” from the OCPC has been inadequate in dealing with the very disconcerting matter of Gerry Lougheed Jr.’s continued chairmanship of the board.

Perhaps, rather than the board simply seeking guidance from OCPC, the board should exercise its authority to request OCPC investigate Mr. Lougheed’s conduct, which would prevent his from exercising his duties as a member of the board for the duration of the investigation or inquiry and hearing.

This would be considered a sincere and serious attempt to allay the concerns of citizens. Despite the fact that these matters remain under investigation or consideration by the Ontario Provincial Police and Elections Ontario, the board’s authority to request an investigation of one of its members remain in full force.

I look forward to the board exercising its authority under the Police Services Act by making that request.

As it’s been said in the Legislature, as long as Mr. Lougheed retains his authority with the Police Services Board in Greater Sudbury, the entire board’s credibility and effectiveness continues to diminish. We expect and deserve better than the board’s “no further comment.”

Bernie Beland
Greater Sudbury