An Ottawa police officer has pleaded guilty to misconduct for stealing $87 worth of groceries from a Gatineau, Que. grocery store. ottnews
Const. Sarah Bell entered the guilty plea for discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act during a hearing before the Ottawa Police Professional Standards Section this week. She will face sentencing at a later date.According to an agreed statement of facts, the loss prevention officer conducting a routine visual scan of the surveillance system observed that Bell did not appear to be scanning the items correctly at the self-checkout machine.
Bell paid for the items she scanned and headed towards the exit, where the security officer arrested her, the statement said. Bell identified herself as an Ottawa police officer. The agreed statement of facts says Gatineau's Crown Office recommended Bell face one count of theft under $5,000. Following court appearances, the Crown's Office decided the file would be referred to the Alternative Measures Program, and the charge was dismissed after Bell carried out the required conditions.