Update posted March 9, 2023
February 21, 2023:
‘Fuelled by politics and COVID’: Neglect of duty, insubordination, and discreditable conduct charges withdrawn against Peterborough police officer — by By Todd Vandonk
“Source says charges were in connection with Alicia McGriskin’s unwillingness to lay charges after an investigation at Peterborough medical officer of health’s home in January 2022”
“…According to a police statement to Peterborough This Week, the prosecutor formally withdrew the Notice of Hearing on Dec. 22, 2022 as former acting chief of police Tim Farquharson and the parties agreed the matter would be dealt with informally. As the matter has now been addressed informally, police say no further information may be shared.…
…A source says the charges were in connection with McGriskin’s alleged conduct and unwillingness to lay charges during an investigation at Peterborough medical officer of health Dr. Thomas Piggott’s house in January 2022.
“This was fuelled by politics and COVID. She has integrity and she stood up for what was right despite being pushed by people of the highest rank,” a source says.
On the evening of Jan. 19, 2022, Peterborough police officers responded to Piggott’s East City home after a group of COVID-19 protesters tried to serve him papers, including an “evidence package” and “statement of facts” claiming that “COVID-19 is a worldwide lie.”
In a video posted online, McGriskin is seen speaking with the protesters.
The conversation between McGriskin and protesters lasts about 15 minutes.
“I am not saying anything wrong has happened here tonight,” she told the group.
“Our job is to respond to the call. It gets documented and we move on.”
Further, McGriskin said nobody was being arrested or charged.
“You guys are free to go on your way,” she told them.…
…According to court records, the intimidation of a health official charges against Berry and Massey respectively were withdrawn at the Crown’s request on June 23, 2022.
The Crown continues to prosecute each on the criminal harassment charge. Berry was scheduled to make an appearance on Tuesday, Feb. 21, while Massey is marked for trial on Dec. 5. 2023.“
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