South Simcoe police veteran facing discreditable conduct charges amid sex assault allegation
A 15-year veteran officer with the South Simcoe Police Service has been charged with discreditable conduct following an allegation of sexual assault.
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The police service said it received a complaint last October from the Office of the Independent Police Review Director alleging that Const. Paul Catling sexually assaulted a woman.
The Service said it notified Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) of the allegation and Catling was assigned to administrative duties.
While the SIU’s probe determined it couldn’t proceed with criminal charges, a Police Services Act investigation was warranted, resulting in the accused being charged with nine counts of discreditable conduct involving two complainants.
The SIU confirmed it doesn’t publish the Director’s Report due to concerns the released information “may further deter what is already an under-reported crime. In addition, publication could serve to undermine the heightened privacy interests of the involved parties, especially, the complainant.”
The South Simcoe Police Service says Catling has been off on leave.
In a statement, South Simcoe Police Chief John Van Dyke said, “Transparency and accountability are fundamental to maintaining public trust. We acknowledge that an officer from the South Simcoe Police Service has been charged with discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act.
I want to emphasize our commitment to holding both our officers and civilians to the highest standards of professional conduct.”
The constable appeared virtually before a police tribunal on Friday and is scheduled to make another appearance next month via teleconference.
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