COP PLEADS GUILTY TO STEALING COCAINE, WANTS TO KEEP JOB

Ottawa - After sneaking cocaine from an evidence envelope and
pocketing the drug during traffic stops, Const. Kevin Hall is trying
to convince a police hearing this week he should remain an Ottawa cop.

But one senior officer who testified Tuesday at Hall's hearing said
reintegrating him on the force would present "unprecedented challenges."

Hall "is one of the last officers" the police force would want as its
public face, said Supt. Ralph Erfle.

The prosecution is asking that Hall be dismissed from the Ottawa
Police Service.

Hall, 43, formally pleaded guilty Tuesday to eight charges under the
Police Services Act. Hall admitted to numerous acts of misconduct,
mostly involving cocaine, between October 2004 and November 2005.

According to a statement of facts, Hall repeatedly seized cocaine
from suspects and kept it for personal use. On other occasions, he
said he took cocaine from police depositories.

He also admitted to purchasing drugs while working as a plain clothes officer.

Hall, who has sought counselling for his addictions, was suspended
with pay last December.

Erfle has experience reintegrating cops on the force. He testified
that trust, both inside the force and in the public eye, has been
"eroded" by Hall's actions.

Adjudicator Terence Kelly will hear submissions on Hall's penalty
when the hearing continues Wednesday.