A Niagara police officer who is facing numerous allegations of misconduct resigned from the Niagara Regional Police Service Dec. 1.
The former officer, Mark Taks, was criminally charged in relation to four separate incidents during the time he was employed by NRPS.
According to a police release, on April 18, 2017, Taks was criminally charged with the offences of criminal harassment and harassing telecommunications. A subsequent investigation by the Professional Standards Unit resulted in allegations of discreditable conduct and insubordination under the Police Services Act.
Following the charges, Taks was suspended before being reassigned to an administrative position.
On Sept. 4, 2017, the investigation of a public complaint against Taks resulted in allegations of discreditable conduct and insubordination under the Police Services Act. The complaint stemmed from allegations which pre-dated his April arrest. Continued investigation resulted in further allegations of deceit, corrupt practice and breach of confidence.
On Oct. 6, 2017, Taks was criminally charged with offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and was suspended from duty. Subsequent investigations by the Professional Standards Unit resulted in allegations of discreditable conduct, corrupt practice and neglect of duty under the Police Services Act.
On March 20, 2018, Constable Taks was criminally charged with three counts of breach of recognizance, which resulted in allegations of discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act.
The Niagara Regional Police Service Disciplinary Tribunal was initially convened on Oct. 10, 2017 to address the misconduct allegations against Taks, however the matters were deferred pending the outcome of criminal proceedings at the request of the Crown Attorney.
On Dec. 11, 2018, Hearing Officer Deputy Chief Brett Flynn concluded disciplinary proceedings with the consent of the Crown Attorney, noting that Taks' resignation had resulted in the loss of jurisdiction to hear the allegations of misconduct, as Taks was no longer employed as a police officer or subject to disciplinary provisions.
