An Ottawa police constable has been demoted for 12 months after pleading guilty to misconduct charges under the Community Safety and Policing Act (CPSA) following a single vehicle crash while off-duty last spring.
According to the decision in a police disciplinary hearing, Const. Keith Jay was involved in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 7 in Tay Valley Township at approximately 4 a.m. on June 17, 2024. The report says the vehicle left the roadway and collided with a rock face on the side of the road.
Jay was initially charged with one count of operation while impaired under the Criminal Code of Canada but pleaded guilty last September to careless driving under the Highway Traffic Act. An Ontario Court of Justice fined Jay $1,500 and suspended his driver’s licence for nine months.
In November, the Chief of Police with the Ottawa Police Service initiated a Code of Conduct Investigation.
“The CPSA investigation substantiated one allegation of misconduct, namely Undermine Public Trust,” says the report.
A settlement agreement says Jay pleaded guilty to Undermine Public Trust. Jay will be demoted from the rank of First Class Constable to Second Class Constable for 12 months.
“In addition, Constable Jay will seek professional assistance to develop a plan to deal with any substance use issues,” the decision, from adjudicator Maureen Helt, said, adding a plan must be submitted to the Ottawa Police Service within 60 days.
The report says Jay sought treatment for substance use and post-traumatic stress disorder following the crash.
Jay has been a member of the Ottawa Police Service since 2017. The decision says he has no prior history of serious misconduct.
The Community Safety and Policing Act provides the opportunity for a settlement between the service and the officer.
