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Kristina Neilson, a constable, appeared for a brief disciplinary hearing on Thursday. He is charged with one count of disparaging conduct. He did not file an objection.
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OPS professional standards investigators allege Neilson donated money to the “Freedom Convoy Fund” on GiveSendGo, a Christian crowdfunding site. Neilson reportedly donated the money on February 5, 2022, as the “Freedom Convoy” vans were all over the city center core and police were already facing a pushback for failing to remove them. The charges against Neilson, detailed in a notice of hearing, allege that he “knew, or reasonably should have known, that the money was being raised for the illegal possession known as ‘Freedom Convoy.’
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Neilson acted in a “disorderly manner, or in a manner prejudicial to discipline or in a manner likely to bring the Ottawa Police Service into disrepute,” professional standards investigators allege. At Thursday’s hearing, Patrick Laflamme, Neilson’s union representative, said he hoped the matter would be resolved quickly because the disciplinary process was causing her stress. He will have another disciplinary appearance later this month. OPS issued Neilson an enhanced penalty notice, notifying her that if misconduct is proven by “clear and convincing evidence,” the agency may seek the penalties of dismissal or demotion. Neilson earned $105,000 in 2020 and $104,472 in 2021, according to the Ontario Sunshine List.
