PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE

Regarding Vancouver police Chief Jim Chu firing "rogue cop" Const.
Peter Hodson: if only things were as easy as a simple firing. Every
policing organization likely has had the occasion where it would like
to fire such an officer. But after nearly 40 years in the RCMP I can
attest that outright firing, prior to criminal charges being dealt
with in an appropriate forum, is not done.

Not only do such action lead to expensive law suits against the
organization if the charges don't result in a conviction, but even
police officers are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

The public has every right to expect police officers to obey the laws
they take an oath to uphold. But this doesn't mean they shouldn't be
afforded due process when they breach such laws. Outright firing is a
presumption of guilt before trial.

Larry Comeau, Ottawa