Police Services Act 'discreditable conduct' appearance for veteran Barrie officer

Barrie police Sgt. Valarie Gates - file image. (CTV News)

Longtime Barrie police officer Valarie Gates had one of her two discreditable conduct charges under the Police Services Act addressed Wednesday morning over teleconference.

The appearance lasted about five minutes and was presided over by retired OPP Superintendent Morris Elbers, who adjourned the proceedings until the middle of January to allow for defence lawyer Joanne Mulcahy to receive and review further substantial disclosure from prosecutor Jessica Barrow.

It was indicated hearing dates could then potentially be put on the record.

Gates, a police officer for about 26 years, including 19 years in Barrie, is married to Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston.

Gates was initially charged with one count of discreditable conduct on Dec. 1, 2023, relating to what the service described as "an on-duty, internal incident."

Barrie Police Service confirmed the charge against the veteran officer was laid following an investigation conducted by the Ontario Provincial Police Office of Professionalism, Respect, Inclusion and Leadership and involved another member of the police service.

In June, Barrie police posted a notice of a second discreditable conduct charge against Gates on its website. It's believed both charges are related.

According to Barrie Police Service, Gates remains on active duty.

Another teleconference appearance to address the second count of discreditable conduct is scheduled for Friday morning.