PROBE INTO DRUG UNIT ALLEGATIONS CONTINUES

A report is expected in early 2005 on whether any more police officers will
be charged in the continuing fallout from a lengthy probe into the actions
of Durham drug cops.

Investigators continue to examine more than 50 drug enforcement unit case
files, dating back to 2001, to determine if charges will be laid under the
Police Services Act, said Durham Regional Police spokesman Dave Selby.

Meanwhile, charges against several former members of the unit have been
dealt with.

Constables Phil Edgar, Dave McDougal, and Dave Wright pleaded guilty to
charges of insubordination and received 20-hour suspensions without pay.

The charges relate to the officers' initial refusal to submit to interviews
with OPP investigators, called in early 2003 to probe claims of misconduct
levelled by a former member of the unit. The service proceeded with the
charges, even though the officers eventually did comply with interview
requests.

Former unit boss Detective Tom Andrews also pleaded guilty to Police
Service Act charges of insubordination and discreditable conduct in October
and was docked 40 hours' pay.

The allegations, including theft, assault, and perjury, led to a 20-month
investigation by the OPP that yielded no criminal charges. But the OPP
referred slightly more than 50 out of the 273 files they examined back to
Durham police for further examination.

That probe continues, Mr. Selby said.

"Hopefully, in the first quarter of 2005, it will be done."