Seven months after allegations were made, a Calgary police officer has been relieved from duty following a drug investigation.
Police said the Anti Corruption Unit was told a constable “may have seized marijuana during the course of his duties, but failed to dispose of it according to procedure.”
According to Supt. Ryan Ayliffe, the marijuana was found during a search of the officer’s residence.
“Our members are probably, as a whole, disappointed,” Ayliffe said. “We don’t like to disappoint the community.”
“Right from recruit class our officers are taught how to properly process exhibits, including drug exhibits,” Ayliffe said. “The processes are very clear. Whether you’re seizing drugs for an investigation and processing them to be tested, or whether you’re seizing those drugs and putting them in to be destroyed – the process for both of those avenues is very clear.”
Robert Cumming, 43, was arrested Friday. He’s been charged with breach of trust, theft and possession of a controlled substance.
Ayliffe said breach of trust is the most serious of the charges.
“I can only think of a handful of times in my career that we’ve charged police officers with that.”
Police said a decision is now being made in relation to his pay.
“A Professional Standards Section investigation will proceed upon the conclusion of the criminal process,” according to a release from police.
Cumming had been a member of the Calgary Police Service for approximately 15 years. He is set to appear in court July 15.
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– With files from Melissa Ramsay
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