OPP investigating actions of Kingston Police officer

A Kingston Police officer is the subject of an Ontario Provincial Police investigation, the local force has confirmed.

“We can confirm that as a result of a third-party complaint made to the OPP, they are conducting an investigation into the actions of a sworn member of Kingston Police,” the force said in a statement.

The officer in question has not been identified and is not under suspension.

“To protect the integrity of the investigation and the officer's privacy, the Kingston Police will not be responding further to any questions involving this matter or the officer involved, until the investigation is complete,” Const. Anthony Colangeli said.

The OPP confirmed that this past January, the Ministry of the Attorney General requested the provincial force investigate allegations involving one or more Kingston Police officers.

“Once the request was received, the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch was assigned in late January to ensure a complete, thorough and independent investigation,” the OPP wrote in an email to the Whig-standard.

“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” the OPP replied when asked about the alleged actions of the officer or officers and what prompted the investigation. “It would be inappropriate for the OPP to speculate or comment on specific details to protect the integrity of the investigation and any ensuing court processes.”

The OPP said that as with any investigation, they will be interviewing individuals and gathering evidence during their probe.

The Whig- Standard reached out to the officer under investigation. Without the Whig laying out the specifics of the allegations, the officer replied that they were unable to comment.

Kingston Police refused to confirm if there were any more OPP investigations into the actions of any other Kingston Police officers or when any investigation started.

“That is the only comment we have on this matter and will not have a further comment,” Colangeli wrote.