Charges laid against Halton police officer following incident in Oakville

According to police, a uniform member of the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has been charged with offences under the Criminal Code of Canada after an external and independent investigation into an incident that took place in Oakville on April 8, 2020.

Police say, on that date, four HRPS officers responded to the area of Third Line and Dundas Street West in Oakville for reports of a male who was loitering in the area.

An interaction ensued between the officers and the male, according to police.

Police say, upon learning of this incident, the officer who made direct physical contact with the male was suspended from duty with pay, which is the only option available to a police service as prescribed by the Police Services Act (PSA).

Additionally, Chief Stephen Tanner requested that the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) begin a criminal investigation into the incident.

According to police, the other three officers who were in attendance at the incident were reassigned to administrative positions pending the outcome of the investigation by WRPS.

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As a result of that external and independent investigation, Constable Jason Mathers has been charged on this date with assault with a weapon and mischief under $5,000, according to police.

Police say he has been released and is scheduled to appear virtually in court. He remains suspended with pay, which continues to be the only option under the PSA.

Now that the criminal investigation has concluded, an internal disciplinary investigation into the actions of all four officers under Part V of the PSA will be completed.

“We recognize that the actions of our officers at this incident have the potential to undermine public trust in our Service, and in policing as a whole. We remain committed to fostering and maintaining a very positive relationship with the community we serve,” said Chief Tanner.

“It is of paramount importance that any investigation into the actions of a police officer is not only thorough, but also unbiased, transparent and fair. We are grateful for the assistance of the Waterloo Regional Police Service in this matter and for their investigation into this incident.”