A South Simcoe police constable in the midst of answering to nine counts of discreditable conduct has died.
In a statement issued Friday afternoon, the department confirmed Const. Paul Catling's death occurred on Dec. 11.
“The South Simcoe Police Service is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of its officers,” the statement reads.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues. Our thoughts are with them. During this sensitive and difficult time, we ask that everyone respect the privacy of the family and all those impacted as they grieve. As such, the South Simcoe Police Service will not provide further information or comment at this time.”
Catling was facing a tribunal stemming from charges laid under the Police Services Act.
South Simcoe received a complaint on Oct. 27, 2023 from the Office of the Independent Police Review Director “that involved an interaction with a female that constituted a sexual assault allegation,” the department said in a news release earlier this fall.
South Simcoe police then contacted the province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which invoked its mandate.
The constable, a 15-year veteran of South Simcoe police, was initially assigned to administrative duties, but then went off on leave.
The SIU completed its investigation and determined it was unable to lay criminal charges. However, “through investigation of the initial complaint and further information that was revealed, it was determined that a Police Services Act investigation was warranted,” South Simcoe police said.
South Simcoe police asked the Barrie Police Service to investigate the matter. It decided nine counts of discreditable conduct “were substantiated involving two complainants.”
Catling made three appearances at the tribunal — the first was held virtually on Oct. 25, but the matter was put over at that time to a teleconference on Nov. 26. There, it was revealed the police association still had not assigned legal counsel to Catling. As a result, the matter was put over to Dec. 12, but that teleconference was cancelled at the last minute “due to unforeseen circumstances.”
In a post on its website, South Simcoe said a "subsequent date will be determined and set in the new year. Details will be posted to our website once the information is available."
During the Nov. 26 call, Catling mentioned he was scheduled to undergo “minor surgery” on Dec. 11.
The cause of Catling’s death has not been confirmed to Village Media. More details on this developing story will be provided as they are released.
— With files from Michael Owen
