One of two tribunal hearings for a high-ranking Barrie police officer has been adjourned until September so her lawyers can review disclosure materials.
Insp. Valarie Gates is facing two charges of discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act, both stemming from the same on-duty, internal incident.
A conference call — which was initially adjourned from April 18 and subsequently rescheduled from a postponed call that was scheduled for June 12 — was held this morning to address the first charge.
“I think I had said at the time, we had received a disclosure request (from the defence), which was fairly broad in terms of what it encompassed, so we were, on our end, pulling together the relevant material,” said prosecutor Jessica Barrow.
“That took some time because it is fairly voluminous and encompassed a number of different people," she added. "Then it took some time for me to review it all before it got disclosed.”
Ultimately, said Barrow on the call — which also included defence lawyer Joanne Mulcahy and the hearing officer, retired Ontario Provincial Police superintendent Morris Elbers — the material requested did get disclosed, but that it only occurred on Monday, July 29.
Barrie city police issued a news release on Dec. 1, 2023 indicating the charge had been laid against Gates following an investigation conducted by the OPP's Office of Professionalism, Respect, Inclusion and Leadership.
"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."
The specific nature of the allegations against Gates remains unclear.
Gates, who is married to Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston, 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.
The first matter has been adjourned until Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 8:30 a.m. via teleconference.
A second tribunal hearing, to address the additional charge laid in June, is scheduled to take place tomorrow (July 31) beginning at 8:30 a.m. via teleconference.
