5 Hamilton police officers facing charges

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They occupy a uniquely powerful role in our society, and take an oath to serve and protect the interests of all citizens. But tonight five Hamilton police officers are facing criminal charges, raising questions about the integrity of some members of the service and the policies surrounding policing. It is the latest in a series of charges laid against members of Hamilton’s police department.

Seven officers under suspension, five facing criminal charges:
31 year old Constable Bhupesh Gulati
37 year old Constable Shawn Smith
40 year old Constable Steve Travale
29 year old Constable Staci Tyldesley
32 year old Constable Dan Williams

All charged for allegedly writing false tickets as members of the high-profile Hamilton Police Action Unit.

“None of us like this. I don’t like this, it just deepens the concern of public trust in policing. But i think it’s also important to note that we didn’t let it go. We are public about this and we’re not brushing it aside.” Said Hamilton City Councillor Lloyd Ferguson.

The latest round of suspensions brings to 12 the number of Hamilton police officers currently suspended with pay. That list includes 41 year old Craig Ruthowsky, charged in connection with the gang raid in the GTHA two weeks ago, and 41 year old Robert Hansen, Ruthowsky’s former partner in Hamiltons guns and gangs unit. And until yesterday, Hamilton taxpayers were paying over half a million dollars a year to cover the salaries of the suspended cops – a number that has grown with the addition of the suspended action team members.

“That’s why the Ontario Association of Police Chiefs have petitioned the province to change the act so a chief can suspend without pay on serious criminal matters…serious police service act charges. That’s the case in every other province except Ontario.”

Perhaps the most high profile case of a suspended officer collecting pay was former Hamilton Police Inspector David Dole who earned over 500 thousand dollars while on suspension. Dole retired before a decision was reached on any of his police act charges.