Timmins police officer dismissed for discreditable conduct involving domestic violence

A Timmins police officer lost his job Friday in a sentencing ruling following a conviction of discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act.

Constable Steve Lapointe had pleaded guilty to the charge, and also previously pleaded guilty to criminal assault charges, stemming from domestic violence.

The sentencing ruling was written by former York Regional Deputy Chief Terence Kelly.

Kelly outlined how Lapointe at one time pushed his partner out of bed so she fell. In another instance, he pulled her from a car and she fell, he then pulled her on to the steps and into the house. Lapointe also threatened the woman, accusing her of infidelity and threatened to kill her son, Kelly said.

Kelly said he recognizes that Lapointe later apologized for his behaviour and pleaded guilty to the criminal and Police Services Act charges, but he said he's not sure Lapointe realized the seriousness of his misconduct and ruled the behaviour cannot be condoned.

"The reputation to the Timmins Police Service has been significantly damaged as result of Constable Lapointe's actions," wrote Kelly. "The evidence indicates that there has been coverage of the criminal trial from the initial arrest of Constable Lapointe, and his subsequent conviction in the criminal forum."

Kelly noted representatives of the Timmins and Area Women in Crisis Centre followed the hearings. They expressed concern that a police officer was convicted of assault on a woman, and women who are reaching out or who are abused, may be more reluctant to report, fearing they may not be treated objectively and fairly, said Kelly.