Pubdate: Wed, 27 Sep 2006
Source: Sudbury Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2006 The Sudbury Star
Contact:  http://www.thesudburystar.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/608

COP PLEADS GUILTY TO STEALING COCAINE, WANTS TO KEEP JOB

Ottawa - After sneaking cocaine from an evidence envelope and 
pocketing the drug during traffic stops, Const. Kevin Hall is trying 
to convince a police hearing this week he should remain an Ottawa cop.

But one senior officer who testified Tuesday at Hall's hearing said 
reintegrating him on the force would present "unprecedented challenges."

Hall "is one of the last officers" the police force would want as its 
public face, said Supt. Ralph Erfle.

The prosecution is asking that Hall be dismissed from the Ottawa 
Police Service.

Hall, 43, formally pleaded guilty Tuesday to eight charges under the 
Police Services Act. Hall admitted to numerous acts of misconduct, 
mostly involving cocaine, between October 2004 and November 2005.

According to a statement of facts, Hall repeatedly seized cocaine 
from suspects and kept it for personal use. On other occasions, he 
said he took cocaine from police depositories.

He also admitted to purchasing drugs while working as a plain clothes officer.

Hall, who has sought counselling for his addictions, was suspended 
with pay last December.

Erfle has experience reintegrating cops on the force. He testified 
that trust, both inside the force and in the public eye, has been 
"eroded" by Hall's actions.

Adjudicator Terence Kelly will hear submissions on Hall's penalty 
when the hearing continues Wednesday.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine