Leeds County constable dismissed from OPP after sexual assault conviction

“The corrupt, disgraceful and criminal behaviour of this individual is inconsistent with the exemplary conduct of OPP members and our values of serving Ontarians with pride, professionalism and honour. This behaviour also undermines the selfless and heroic acts our officers perform every day while serving and protecting our communities.”

These were the words of Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Commissioner Thomas Carrique on Friday, Jun. 16, 2023, the day after the provincial police service dismissed one of its employees from Leeds County.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have terminated the employment of Provincial Constable Jason Redmond of the Leeds County OPP Detachment. The termination comes after an investigation into allegations regarding numerous violent offences stemming from 2017.

According to a release from the OPP, Redmond was dismissed as a member of the OPP after abandoning the Ontario Civilian Police Commission appeal process following a Police Services Act ruling terminating his employment. As a result, the member is no longer eligible to receive a salary from the OPP. 

The termination was effective as of Thursday, Jun. 15, 2023.

The OPP said the organization acknowledges this has been a lengthy and difficult journey for the victims in this matter. “Our investigators remain committed to providing support to victims from the beginning of an investigation to its conclusion by taking a victim-centred and trauma-informed approach that enhances investigative excellence and protects the rights of victims/survivors,” the OPP said.

“We also recognize this has been difficult for our members who work hard every day to protect and assist victims.”

Redmond was charged in November 2015, and subsequently convicted in October 2018, for trafficking a controlled substance and using a forged document. Redmond was suspended with pay when the charges were laid.

Under section 89 of the Ontario Police Services Act, officers charged with a criminal offence may only be suspended with pay. For an officer to be suspended without pay, the individual must be convicted AND be sentenced to a term of incarceration, according to a release from the OPP, dated Thursday, Mar. 30, 2023.

In this case, Redmond was placed on probation for one year by the court, the OPP noted

Following the conviction, the OPP Professional Standards Unit laid charges under the Police Services Act (PSA). After a conviction on the PSA charges, the Adjudicator ordered that Redmont be dismissed from the OPP. The OPP also requested that any appeal would not automatically stay the conviction and penalty, but that request was denied by the Adjudicator. According to the OPP, the dismissal ruling was immediately appealed by Redmond, meaning he would continue to collect his salary. The appeal was the subject of a hearing on June 15, 2023, before the Ontario Civilian Police Commission, which resulted in Redmond’s termination.

In August 2021, the OPP began an additional investigation related to allegations regarding numerous violent offences stemming from 2017. Redmond was arrested and charged on October 15, 2021. On February 16, 2023, Redmond was convicted of sexual assault.