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. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine