An Ontario provincial police officer, suspended with pay, after being charged with impaired driving while on the job last month, made his first appearance in a Midland courtroom Thursday. Chris Prout, 40, addressed the court appearing by video. Prout told the court he plans to enter a treatment program and expects to have defence counsel appear on his behalf for his next scheduled appearance in March. The veteran Southern Georgian Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) constable, who first joined Midland Police Service in 2009 before transferring over to the provincial police, is accused of impaired driving during a shift January 15, according to the OPP. He is also charged with having a blood alcohol level above the legal limit. Police confirmed the charges in a media release three days later, saying a parallel investigation by the OPP Professional Standards Unit is underway. In a statement, the OPP said it “remains committed to maintaining public trust and confidence, and ensuring its members are held to the “highest standards of professionalism and accountability.” Police did not offer further comment, but confirmed no collision occurred in the moments surrounding the officer’s arrest. The allegations against the accused have not been tested in court.
