CityNews Investigation: A convicted cop breaks his silence
Posted March 3, 2017 2:30 pm.
Last Updated March 3, 2017 7:34 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
You’ve seen the video and likely been outraged by the sheer violence — a police officer repeatedly punching a drunk and handcuffed suspect in the back of his cruiser.
Constable Gary Gould is one of only two Toronto police officers in the last four years to lose their jobs after being convicted of a crime, in this case assault.
A CityNews investigation into convicted cops revealed that 59 officers across the GTHA have had scheduled tribunal hearings between 2013 and 2017 to face the professional consequences of their convictions on everything from attempted murder, child porn and sex assault, to fraud and drunk driving.
In the 2016 firing of Constable Gould, the police tribunal adjudicator said his “disciplinary record shows displays of anger, belligerent behaviour and issues of self control.”
Gould, now a civilian, told CityNews most of his 14 years with Toronto police were marred by untreated work-related mental health issues, which triggered a serious drinking problem. He broke his silence to share, what he says, happened in the moments, and the years, before that video started rolling.
Toronto Police would not specifically comment on Gary Gould’s case but they say mandatory check-ins are currently being proposed for officers who are suspended while facing criminal charges.
CityNews Investigation:
Part 1: Convicted cops who keep their jobs
Part 2: Searching for transparency
Part 3: Convicted cop breaks his silence
