A Waterloo Regional Police officer has been found guilty of two counts of misconduct, but found not guilty of racial bias after a woman was followed home as part of a traffic stop in Cambridge.
In the summer of 2017, Natasha Broomes, who is Black, was arrested on her front lawn.
The police hearing adjudicator called the arrest "unlawful and unnecessary".
The arrest was made after the officer responded to a weapons calls in the area that indicated a Black man with dreadlocks had left the scene in a red SUV.
Constable Jesse Foster, who is white, was found guilty of excessive force. Foster is expected to be sentenced sometime in August.
Waterloo Regional Police Chief Bryan Larkin provided the following statement:
"The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) has received the decision of Hearing Officer, ret. Superintendent Preston, and are currently reviewing it. In all Police Service Act Tribunal decisions, our Professional Standards Branch examines the findings, explores opportunities for organizational enhancement, as well as address any potential training and skills development gaps. As the matter remains before the Tribunal, we will actively continue to review the decision while awaiting the final penalty outcome. The WRPS continues to advance a modernized and progressive commitment to delivering the highest level of police services to ensure a safe Waterloo Region."
