York Police Officer Suspended Over Reckless Driving Incident During Santa Parade

Key Takeaways

• A York Regional Police staff sergeant, Laurie Perks, has been charged with dangerous driving following an incident at the Innisfil Santa Claus Parade.
• Perks, a 30-year veteran of the police force, has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the case.
• The incident occurred on November 23, when a grey Audi SUV was seen jumping the curb and exiting a parking lot, travelling through a pedestrian walkway.
• Perks has a history of controversy, including a workplace harassment complaint in which she was found to have engaged in name-calling and made derogatory comments about a female officer.
• Perks is scheduled to make her first court appearance in the new year and has been charged with failing to remain at the scene of a crash in Innisfil, although this charge was withdrawn last month.

Introduction to the Incident
A York Regional Police staff sergeant is facing court over alleged dangerous driving at the Innisfil Santa Claus Parade. The incident occurred on November 23, when a grey Audi SUV was seen jumping the curb and exiting a parking lot, travelling through a pedestrian walkway. The driver, identified as 53-year-old Staff Sergeant Laurie Perks, was off duty at the time of the incident. According to witnesses, the SUV was attempting to drive through the parade route but was blocked, prompting the driver to take a detour through the pedestrian walkway.

Investigation and Charges
The incident was investigated by South Simcoe police, who released images of the vehicle caught on surveillance cameras. The investigation led to Perks being charged with dangerous driving, and she was subsequently suspended with pay by York Regional Police. The suspension is in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act. Perks is scheduled to make her first court appearance in the new year, and the allegations against her have not been tested in court. It is worth noting that Perks was also charged with failing to remain at the scene of a crash in Innisfil about a year ago, although this charge was withdrawn last month.

Perks’ History with the Police Force
Perks has worked as a police officer for about 30 years, climbing the ranks to become a staff sergeant. She has worked in various roles, including as a media officer, detective, and supervisor. However, her career has not been without controversy. About 12 years ago, Perks was the subject of a workplace harassment complaint, in which she was found to have engaged in name-calling and made derogatory comments about a female officer. The complaint alleged that Perks had suspected the officer of calling in sick to travel to Jamaica, and she went so far as to call Pearson International Airport and the Canada border services agency to investigate. Despite learning that her suspicions were mistaken, Perks provided incorrect information to management, claiming the officer had travelled to Jamaica.

Consequences and Next Steps
Perks’ suspension with pay has sparked some controversy, given her history of controversy and the seriousness of the allegations against her. York Regional Police has confirmed that Perks’ suspension is in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act, which requires that officers be suspended with pay pending the outcome of certain investigations. Perks is scheduled to make her first court appearance in the new year, and the outcome of the case will likely have significant implications for her career and the police force as a whole. In the meantime, the incident has raised questions about police accountability and the treatment of officers who are accused of misconduct.

Conclusion and Implications
The incident involving Staff Sergeant Laurie Perks has significant implications for the police force and the community. The allegations against Perks are serious, and the fact that she has been suspended with pay has sparked controversy. The case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency within the police force, particularly when it comes to allegations of misconduct. As the case makes its way through the courts, it will be important to monitor the outcome and ensure that justice is served. Ultimately, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of holding police officers to the highest standards of conduct and ensuring that those who are accused of misconduct are held accountable for their actions.