CRACK HABIT A DISABILITY, EX-OFFICER'S APPEAL SAYS

An Ottawa police officer who was ordered to resign from the force
after stealing crack cocaine and smoking it himself will have an
appeal of his dismissal heard in Toronto today.

Const. Kevin Hall is scheduled to go before a panel of board members
of the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services in an attempt
to overturn the dismissal.

In early December, hearing officer Terence Kelly ordered the
43-year-old constable to resign from the Ottawa police within seven
days or be fired.

Const. Hall admitted to becoming addicted to crack cocaine after he
tried the drug for the first time after seizing it from a suspect on
Nov. 9, 2004.

In addition to buying the drug while on and off duty, Const. Hall
also admitted to stealing crack cocaine from an evidence envelope and
taking drugs that were to be destroyed.

In his notice of appeal, Const. Hall alleged Mr. Kelly failed to give
"proper weight and consideration" to the idea that his drug addiction
should be considered a disability under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Const. Hall pleaded guilty in May 2006 to eight charges under the
Police Services Act: five counts of discreditable conduct, two counts
of corrupt practice and one of neglect of duty.

Const. Hall has been suspended with pay for the past year and a half.