Since an October 2014 crash in Lakeshore that lead to a criminal conviction against an officer, the OPP has implemented state-of-the-art technology in an effort to protect the public and its officers.
On Wednesday, Constable Jamie Porto was given a 12-month driving ban and fined $2,500 after being convicted of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
Court heard Porto was driving 178-km/h to an emergency when his cruiser collided with another vehicle in St. Joachim.
Acting Staff-Sgt. Peter Leon is the OPP's provincial media relations officer. He says an internal investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the crash." The OPP's Professional Standards Bureau will now be able to continue with their investigation, because as you can appreciate, the Special Investigations Unit would have access to information and perhaps evidence that the OPP may require in its investigation."
Leon was asked by reporters if the conviction will change how officers respond to emergencies: "I've been a police officer myself for almost 30 years. Public trust is the cornerstone of policing. The public has to realize that the OPP is a professional policing organization and will hold their members accountable for their actions."
Porto's lawyer, Dan Scott told reporters outside the courthouse, the conviction would have a chilling effect on the way police respond to emergencies.