Police sergeant wants new hearing

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A Hamilton police sergeant convicted of discreditable conduct wants a new hearing. Helena Pereira claims the officer who ruled on her charges under the police services act, was biased after having several private lunches with the prosecution.

Pereira’s charges stem from two incidents in the central station holding cells back in 2013. February of that year she slapped her cousin in the face after he was arrested on drug charges. A month later Pereira pushed a drunk woman into her cell.

Pereira, a 25-year veteran of the force was found guilty of using unnecessary force, insubordination and discreditable conduct. She was not suspended following her conviction.

The Hamilton Police Association, whose lawyer represents Pereria, alleges the hearing officer in the case, retired OPP superintendent Morris Elbers went to lunch with the police prosecutor during the lengthy hearing process.

The lunches were held in the senior officer’s lounge which was not open to the public and required a passcard to get in. Periera’s legal team says they were never invited to the lunches and were not made aware of them until March. They say the Hamilton Police Tribunal is “lopsided.”

Elbers is expected to make a decision whether to remove himself from the case on January 26th. If he decides to the hearing could start from the beginning.