Halifax Regional Police have charged one of their own with assault causing bodily harm for allegedly hitting a suspect in the face.
Const. Duane Stanley was on duty at the force’s new Burnside headquarters on Mellor Avenue Jan. 23 when a 36-year-old man was arrested for breaking into vehicles.
Police allege Stanley punched the man, leaving him with facial injuries. He was taken to hospital, treated, and released; he appeared in court later that day.
Police spokesman Const. Jeff Carr said he couldn’t speak about specifics, since Stanley is now before the courts.
“An investigation was launched into the incident immediately after it happened, by a supervisor,” Carr said. The police force’s Integrated General Investigative Section handled that investigation, which took almost a month.
Stanley has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of his court case.
He’ll appear in Dartmouth provincial court March 31.
If a police officer is convicted of a crime, discipline under the provincial Police Act can range anywhere from a reprimand to dismissal.
