HALIFAX COP FACES ANOTHER CHARGE

A new charge has been laid against a Halifax Regional Police officer
already accused of trying to extort money from a convicted drug dealer.

An information, sworn Thursday, accuses Const. Jeffrey Buchanan, 29,
of possessing marijuana.

The offence was allegedly committed on Dec. 12 in Halifax.

That's the same day that Const. Buchanan, a member of the force for
four years, was arrested on charges of extortion and breach of public trust.

Police spokesman Const. Brian Palmeter said the regional police-RCMP
integrated drug unit just finished their work for the marijuana charge.

"The charges stem as a result of the original investigation," he
said. "At the time of that investigation his vehicle was searched."

He said the force has no reason to believe the officer smoked any
marijuana while on the job.

Nonetheless, it's nothing the force likes to see happen, Const. Palmeter said.

"Our officers are expected to uphold the law. Any time they are
charged and found to be in violation, it's very disconcerting to us," he said.

The officer allegedly tried to extort $5,100 from Shawn Kenneth
Banfield on Dec. 10 in Halifax.

Const. Buchanan, who is suspended with pay, will appear in Halifax
provincial court on Jan. 26 on all three charges.

He remains free on conditions that he reside on Nadia Drive in
Dartmouth. He must also stay away from Mr. Banfield, of Lantz, and
another convicted drug dealer, Donya Rhandelle Kristen Delaney of Halifax.

Const. Buchanan had his release conditions varied before Christmas to
allow him to spend the holidays at his father's house in Cape Breton.

The constable also faces a summary offence ticket for allegedly using
a cellphone while driving a police vehicle on Oct. 8. He has pleaded
not guilty to that charge, which carries a fine of $164.50, and has a
trial set for March 23 in Halifax night court.

- - With Dan Arsenault, crime reporter