Advertisement

VPD officer who pushed disabled woman on the DTES gets 6-day suspension

A disgraced Vancouver police officer who pushed a disabled woman on the Downtown Eastside four years ago will be suspended for six days.

The victim, a woman named Sandy Davidsen who suffers from cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis, was shoved to the ground in an incident captured on video.

Constable Taylor Robinson admitted responsibility for the incident in October. As the result, a public disciplinary hearing was shortened.

Story continues below advertisement

Robinson initially claimed Davidsen was grabbing at his gun.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

VPD spokesperson Brian Montague says the officer in question took responsibility and apologized for his actions, and they respect the decision that was made.

Assault charges were dropped, but the VPD originally took him off the job for just two days. That was deemed to be “inadequate” by the Police Complaints Commissioner.

Story continues below advertisement

The incident has a legal advocacy group calling for police officers who work in marginalized communities like Downtown Eastside to get better training.

With files from Peter Meiszner and Amy Judd

Sponsored content

AdChoices