A London police officer who spearheaded the city’s human trafficking unit is facing misconduct charges for allegedly freeing a fellow officer caught in a prostitution sting.
Sgt. Michael Hay is charged with discreditable conduct, neglect of duty, and insubordination, under the Police Services Act, in relation to an incident on April 19, 2018.
According to a notice of hearing, Hay is accused of “directing the unconditional release of a police officer from another service after his lawful arrest.” Hay was the supervisor of the human trafficking unit at the time, and the notice alleges he failed to conduct a proper investigation and took steps to cover it up.
The notice also says Hay didn’t follow procedure by telling a supervisor an investigation that could lead to criminal charges involved another police officer. It says little about the other officer involved, except that he was from another service.
Const. Sandasha Bough says Hay remains on active duty, and has been assigned to a patrol section with the force’s uniform division.
“He was in charge of the human trafficking unit from its official inception in January 2017 until May 20,” Bough said.
The mistake could cost Hay his job; Bough said if he’s found guilty the possible penalties are docked pay, suspension without pay, demotion, or termination.
“It’s surprising,” said Megan Walker, the executive director of the London Abused Women’s Centre.
“Particularly because Mike has done such an exemplary job of building the trafficking unit to where it is today, as well as developing relationships within the community and within the trafficked, the victims themselves.”
The London Abused Women’s Centre advocates for and helps women to leave the sex trade, and has worked alongside the police force’s human trafficking unit.
“This is outside of what you normally would see in him,” Walker said.
“There’s no pattern of behaviour that would show this is anything but an isolated act.”
Although the human trafficking unit is less than two years old and was spearheaded by Hay, Walker doesn’t have concerns about its future.
“All of the people who are currently in the trafficking unit are experienced, and prepared to move on.”
Comments