Chatham-Kent-Essex MPP Rick Nicholls says it might be time to update parts of the Police Services Act.
Nicholls spoke with BlackburnNews.com Wednesday afternoon, regarding how investigations into police officers should be dealt with.
"We're looking at the Police Services Act right now, and there's discussions that it does need to be reviewed and perhaps updated in certain areas," says Nicholls. "It's [basically] a wait and see at this point in time."
One area Nicholls says should be reviewed is the procedure on releasing names.
"In situations where officers are involved in a very serious crime -- perhaps lives are lost -- I think that the names of officers need to be protected because that also protects their families," says Nicholls, adding that names should be protected at least until investigations are complete and a name is deemed as relevant.
In regards to incidents where police officers are being investigated, Nicholls says he understands both sides.
"It's never a good thing when an officer is suspended. From a police chief's perspective they may be wanting to protect taxpayer dollars -- I understand that," he says. "From an officer's point of view -- you don't want to take away the livelihood of an officer, because it could put the officer and their families in dire straits if in fact they have no income coming in."
Two Chatham-Kent police officers are facing charges.
The Ontario Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating Constable Kenneth Miller for allegations of sexual assault. Another officer, Sergeant Robert Mugridge is facing charges of fraud. The two officers are also facing charges under the Police Services Act.
Based on information released in Chatham-Kent's annual sunshine list, Mugridge made $111,367 in 2016 while under suspension. He has been suspended with pay since May 2014.
-With files from Matt Weverink
