Brantford officer charged with obstructing justice 18 months ago, police service says

A Brantford, Ont., police officer with five years on the job was charged with obstructing justice on March 8, 2023, according to a news release issued Thursday by the police service.

The officer, whose name isn't given in the release,was charged after police began an investigation intoconduct related to a September 2022incident.

The officer has also been "suspended from duty since Oct. 28, 2022," and that will remain in effect "pending the outcome of the criminal court process," says the release.

A court date has been set for Nov. 19 in Brantford.

"This alleged incident is not reflective of the values of the Brantford Police Service," Robin Matthews-Osmond, corporate communications manager, said in the release.

"At the core of the Brantford Police Service is a team of dedicated sworn and civilian members who provide professional service to our community and demonstrate a strong moral compass based on trust, dignity, and respect."

CBCreached out to Matthews-Osmond on Friday to ask why the police service only announced the information on the officer recently and why the officer wasn't named.

A response wasn't received by publication time Friday.

But on Tuesday, Matthews-Osmondemailed CBC, saying:"Amedia release was issued when it was deemed appropriate based on the circumstances."

Matthews-Osmond also said it's "BPS policy that names of accused parties are not released."