Photo shows RNC cruiser in disabled parking spot

Police say they will discipline any RNC employee who is guilty of parking illegally in a space reserved for cars with disabled parking permits.

RNC chief Robert Johnston made the promise after learning that CBC News has a photograph of an RNC cruiser parked in a blue zone.

"This is not acceptable and will not be tolerated," according to an email Monday from the RNC that quotes Johnston.

"No one is exempt from, or above, the law. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has commenced an investigation into who parked the cruiser in that manner and the driver will be dealt with under the Highway Traffic Act. If it is determined that an RNC employee was responsible for parking the vehicle illegally, they will also face internal disciplinary action."

Johnston also offered an apology.

"On behalf of every RNC employee, I would like to offer a sincere apology to any person with a disability who was inconvenienced by this illegally parked vehicle," he said.

Manuel John Clark took the photograph. He gave it to CBC News.

"I think they should be suspended and given tickets. They're police officers, they're supposed to enforce the law and here they are breaking it – clearly," said Clark.

Clark is  accused of assaulting a woman in downtown St. John’s in 2010. The case is still in court.