BARRIE COP SUSPENDED IN DRUG CASE

An eight-year veteran of the Barrie Police Service has been suspended, with
pay, after charges were made that he purchased illegal drugs while on duty.

Const. Rod Hackett, who joined Barrie Police in April 1997, was suspended
from his duties Tuesday morning. The suspension came after a brief
announcement read by police chief Wayne Frechette at a hastily called, and
short press conference, at the Police Services building on Bell Farm Road.

Frechette said that "as a result of an investigation into allegations that
he purchased illegal drugs while on duty," Hackett was suspended.

To aid in the investigation, "Barrie Police Service has obtained the
assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police to investigate all aspects of
this matter thoroughly," Frechette added.

Frechette was accompanied by deputy chief Steve Rogers at the press
briefing. After reading a short prepared statement, Frechette left the room
quickly, taking no questions and refusing to make any further comment.
Barrie Police media liaison officers also stated the service had no
additional comment.