Waterloo Regional Police officer charged with assault, uttering threats

A 11-year member of the Waterloo Regional Police Service has been charged in an off-duty incident, according to a news release from the force.

The North Division patrol officer has been charged with assault, three counts of uttering threats and mischief under $5,000.

The officer is scheduled to appear in court inKitchener'sOntario Court of Justice on Thursday, February4, and theWRPSwill also conduct a review of the circumstances, according to the release.

Waterloo Regional police spokesman Staff Sgt. Michael Haffner saidthat there's no conflict of interest in having the service investigate one of its own.

"Ultimately we have procedures in place, but ultimately we expect our investigators to conduct any investigation, whether it involves a police officer or if it involves a member of the community, with the utmost integrity," said Waterloo Regionalspokesman Staff Sgt.MichaelHaffner.

"We're an organization based on integrity and trust and we rely on the community's involvement and the trust of the community. And ultimately we're going conduct any investigation to the best of our abilities and as professionals," he said.

The police service did not release the name of the officer because it said the incident is "family-related" andreleasing further details may identify the victim.

The member has been suspended with pay, as requiredbythe provincialPolice Services Act.