Exclusive – Cobourg Police Constable Pleads Guilty to One Count of Discreditable Conduct

In Editor Choice, Police Blotter

A Constable with the Cobourg Police Service has had his charges concluded by what is called an “informal resolution,” Today’s Northumberland has learned.

A Police Services Act trial was set to begin on November 8, 2023 for Constable David Periard in Victoria Hall who was facing two charges under the Police Service Act after an investigation into allegations of misconduct following an incident that took place while Periard was on secondment at the Ontario Police College in 2021.

One charge of discreditable conduct was dismissed while Periard pleaded guilty to the second charge that stated on June 23, 2021, the officer, while acting as an instructor at the OPC, is alleged to have acted in a disorderly manner or in a manner prejudicial to discipline or likely to bring discredit upon the reputation of the Cobourg Police Service constituting an offence against discipline contrary to section 2(1)(a)(xi) of the Code of Conduct, O Reg 268/10, as amended.

Today’s Northumberland was told a informal resolution was worked out between lawyers for the Police Service and Periard.

Although unconfirmed, the penalty for Periard was 80-hours pay.

In a statement at the time, Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf stated, “we remain transparent on any officer discipline issues,” but stated on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 that he would not be making a comment until other people were notified of the decision the previous week.

Constable Periard worked at the Courthouse with Special Constables from approximately the time he was charged, until the resolution was accepted.

Pete Fisher
Author: Pete Fisher

Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love

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