April 09, 2014 - 10:52 AM
WHITBY, Ont. - A spoof video depicting disgruntled police officers "on a quest for freedom" from court duty has led to discreditable conduct charges against two members of the Durham Region police.
Chief Mike Ewles launched an internal investigation in January after the 63-second video, which shows three employees trying to get re-assigned from court services duty, was posted on YouTube.
The video, which appears to be a spoof of a Hollywood movie trailer, describes the three as being "forced to serve prisoners" and shows them mopping up cells and giving out toilet paper.
Another scene shows an officer advancing through a locker room brandishing an armed Taser.
Charged under the Police Services Act are Sgt. Mike Glennie and a second officer, identified only as a detective constable.
Police say proceedings have started against Glennie but the second officer's hearing won't begin until next week and his name can't be released until then.
The third person is a special constable, not a sworn officer, and is being disciplined internally by the force. His name will not be released as he is not subject to the Police Services Act.
Ewles had said he was disappointed "on a number of levels" when he found out about the video which showed the employees in uniform, inside Durham police facilities and using police-issued equipment.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2014