The disciplinary hearing for a suspended Osoyoos RCMP officer, who is still receiving pay after almost three years, has been delayed for the fourth time.
Const. Amit Goyal is also facing a civil lawsuit by former Osoyoos resident Steve Condon, who claims he was framed for the theft and burning of two vehicles from the officer’s home in 2012. (Read more: Former Osoyoos man wants to file lawsuit)
Condon’s lawyer, Paul Evans, previously told the Western News they are awaiting the results of the hearing prior to moving forward with the lawsuit. (Read more: Lawsuits bring more questions of RCMP officer)
The only update from the RCMP in relation to the suspension of Goyal, were the five allegations — three under Section 39 of the 1988 RCMP Regulations for disgraceful or disorderly acts or conduct that could bring discredit to the force, and two allegations under Section 45 (b) stating that members not make false, misleading or inaccurate statements to a superior officer pertaining to an investigation — posted to the RCMP code of conduct hearing schedule online.
Media relations officer with the RCMP, Annie Delisle, previously told the Western News that
Goyal’s case is being governed under the former RCMP discipline process in place prior to Nov. 28, 2014. The disciplinary hearing process has been updated because of the delays and length of cases like Goyal’s the RCMP told the Western News.
An RCMP constable’s salary can range from $50,000 to upwards of $80,000 a year but under the RCMP Act, managers have several options to respond to findings of misconduct. There are “remedial” measures including admonishment, direction to attend special training or a reprimand; “corrective” measures including deferral of promotion for a specified period, or forfeiture of pay to a maximum of 80 hours and “serious” measures including a demotion for up to three years and forfeiture of pay more than 80 hours.
Media relations officer with the RCMP, Julie Gagnon, said a suspension is not a disciplinary sanction.
“It is a preventative measure implemented to protect the integrity of the RCMP and its processes pending the outcome of the Code of Conduct investigation. As such, a suspension does not impact a member’s pay or benefits,” Gagnon said in an email.
She noted a member suspended with pay would only receive pay increases equivalent to pay increments after meeting conditions relating to the RCMP’s annual rates of pay.
“The step progression within the constable rank is based on a promotional process and therefore, is not automatic except when reaching the final step.”
RCMP policy disallows them from commenting on specific disciplinary hearings. Goyal’s Code of Conduct hearing is now scheduled to take place on Sept. 13 in Vancouver’s Federal Court.