B.C.'s Police Complaint Commissioner has ordered a public hearing into the conduct of an Abbotsford police officer who allegedly broke a man's finger while seizing his camera almost two years ago.
Const. Alex Wood is accused of illegally confiscating a digital camera belonging to Jonathan Peters in April 2008, and of using excessive force in the process.
The hearing stems from a complaint filed in September 2008, which was determined to be unsubstantiated by Abbotsford Police Chief Constable Bob Rich.
Police Complaint Commissioner Stan Lowe later reviewed the case and asked Rich to reconsider his decision. Rich declined, and a public hearing was ordered.
Deputy complaint commissioner Bruce Brown said he could not elaborate on the details of the original complaint before the hearing begins.
If the complaint is found to be valid, a disciplinary action will be determined by the hearing's adjudicator.
Corrective measures prescribed in the province's Police Act range from verbal reprimand to full dismissal, depending on the circumstances.
The hearing date has not been determined.
With files from The Canadian Press
