Cop cleared in war of words

The Hamilton Spectator

A Hamilton police officer has been cleared of accusations of discreditable conduct for criticizing Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino for their handling of the Caledonia native land claim dispute.

Fantino filed a formal complaint in February against David Hartless, a Hamilton constable whose Caledonia home backs onto the native-occupied, former Douglas Creek Estates, alleging a widespread e-mail Hartless sent was “venomous” and represented “conduct unbecoming” a police officer.

Hartless did not refer to himself as a Hamilton police officer in his Feb. 17 e-mail.
Fantino complained to Hamilton Police Chief Brian Mullan, telling him “the OPP have had enough of this nonsense.”

A spokesman for Fantino’s office said yesterday the OPP respect the findings of the Halton investigation and will not comment further. (Edit: Because they LOST)

Hamilton police agreed to issue a statement indicating Hartless — a frequent and vociferous critic of the OPP and the provincial government’s handling of the Caledonia situation — had committed no wrong.

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