A high-ranking Barrie police officer has been charged with discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act.
Insp. Valarie Gates is scheduled to appear before a Police Services Act tribunal on Jan. 12, 2024. The virtual appearance is set to begin at 10 a.m.
Barrie city police issued a news release Friday afternoon indicating the charge was laid "after a recent investigation that was conducted by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Office of Professionalism, Respect, Inclusion and Leadership."
The alleged incident stems from "an on-duty, internal incident," according to the police department's upcoming hearings page.
No other details about the allegation have been released, but police say the charge falls under Section 2(1)(a)(xi) of the Police Services Act.
"An allegation of an on-duty internal incident was received by Barrie Police Deputy Chief R. Wyllie Allan earlier this year involving a 26-year officer of the service who holds the rank of inspector," stated the release. "After receiving the complaint, Deputy Chief Allan requested the assistance of the OPP to conduct the investigation."
“Our members are held to the highest standards of professionalism by the public, and our service, and as such, we take any allegation of misconduct very seriously," Allan said in the release.
"A request was made to the OPP to conduct a comprehensive investigation into these allegations, ensuring a transparent and impartial process. The Barrie Police Service recognizes that building and maintaining public trust is of critical importance."
Gates has spent a large part of her policing career working in domestic violence, as well as in areas of mental health and child/youth advocacy.
