The Ontario Civilian Police Commission has dismissed an appeal by a city police officer who was found guilty of discreditable conduct last year.
The 2012 hearing determined that Jim Mauro submitted a letter to an arbitrator with the Police Association president's name on it, even though Mauro had written it himself.
Mauro and his lawyer did not attend the hearing, which had been delayed for nearly two years due to claims about Mauro having a heart condition. Mauro ended up receiving a one-year demotion from sergeant to first-class constable as his punishment.
He then appealed the decision, saying the hearing officer was biased, that the prosecutor was one-sided, and that the decision to proceed with the hearing despite Mauro's absence was unfair.
In a decision released Friday, the appeal panel rejected Mauro's arguments.
It said the decision to proceed with the hearing was appropriate, based on the "persistent lack of cooperation" by Mauro.
The one-year demotion was also upheld. Officials with the Police Service say Mauro is now considered to be back on the force as a constable. However, the details of his work duties are confidential.
(Thunder Bay Television)
