Toronto: G20 senior commander facing misconduct charges for ordering U of T mass arrest

[marmar]

(Toronto Star) Toronto police Insp. Gary Meissner is facing disciplinary action for ordering the early-morning raid and unlawful mass arrests at the University of Toronto during the G20 summit two years ago, the Star has learned.

In a 120-page report, the province’s police complaint’s watchdog alleges Meissner was responsible for one of the most embarrassing errors committed by police during the G20. On June 27, 2010, he failed to obtain a proper warrant before officers under his command barged into a U of T gym and arrested more than 100 people — all of whom later had their charges withdrawn due to the oversight. In a report dated March 2011, a House of Commons standing committee condemned the U of T operation.

While it has been previously reported that Meissner is one of two senior Toronto police officers facing misconduct hearings, it was unclear what the allegations were against him until now. He was also in charge of deploying the Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) at Queen’s Park.

The Office of the Independent Police Review Director is recommending charges be laid against Meissner under the Police Services Act. The charges are not criminal and Meissner has not yet had the opportunity to defend himself against the allegations. If the charges are upheld, penalties range from docked pay to termination. .................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1197157--g20-senior-commander-facing-misconduct-charges-for-ordering-u-of-t-mass-arrest?bn=1