Rookie cop takes heat for arresting off-duty officer

[Blue_Tires]

It’s an impaired driving case like thousands of others except it involves a rookie Toronto police officer who crossed the thin blue line and paid the price.

Const. Andrew Vanderburgh was “harassed and berated” by fellow officers because on Nov. 28, 2009, he arrested and charged an off-duty police constable with impaired driving and having a blood-alcohol level over 80 milligrams, according to an internal police disciplinary ruling.

Some officers also allegedly called Vanderburgh a “rat,” Justice Paul Reinhardt wrote in a pre-trial ruling.

On Tuesday, Vanderburgh was in Old City Hall court to testify at Breton Berthiaume’s long-delayed impaired driving trial. He declined to comment except to say that while he does not regret charging a fellow officer, the fallout has been difficult.

Berthiaume, a Halton Region officer, has pleaded not guilty.

Also in court was Const. Suhail Khawaja, who accompanied Vanderburgh in his squad car the evening of the arrest.

http://www.thestar.com/news/crime/article/1202587--rookie-cop-takes-heat-for-arresting-off-duty-officer

[Drale]

1. Release the name, picture and badge number of ever officer who harassed him

They obviously believe the police are above the law and should be publicly shamed. Once the public knows who these officers are, their job is going to get 1000X more difficult.

[WriteWrong]

5. Well, no. If they harass other officers, they shouldn't HAVE badges any more. Ever again.

[ZombieHorde]

2. 99% of the police make the others look really corrupt. nt

[Bake]

3. OH come now, Zombie, it's just a "few bad apples!"

Something stinks around everywhere, though.

Bake

[Nye Bevan]

4. He was out of line. Cops are exempt from drunk-driving laws.

Aren't they?

[msongs]

6. criminals do not wish to be held accountable. nothing new here nt