Ottawa Detective Demoted for Accessing Infant Death Files

A veteran detective with the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) will serve a two-year demotion for discreditable conduct following a ruling by a disciplinary tribunal. The tribunal determined that the detective improperly accessed files concerning deceased children and contacted a parent to inquire about the mother's vaccination status. This behaviour was found to be a violation of privacy and an abuse of police power. The demotion, from first-class to second-class constable, aims to underscore the seriousness with which police forces treat unwarranted inquiries and bias-motivated actions. The decision noted significant damage to the OPS reputation and a lack of understanding of the severity of her independent actions by the officer. The case has drawn attention from vaccine-skeptical groups, though the tribunal found no evidence of reprisal for whistle-blowing. The demotion will result in an estimated $30,000 in lost wages and further financial impact due to lost opportunities.