A Niagara Regional Police Service member facing numerous allegations of misconduct under the Police Services Act has resigned from the Police Service effective Dec. 1, 2018.
On April 18, 2017, Constable Mark Taks was criminally charged with the offences of Criminal Harassment and Harassing Telecommunications. A subsequent investigation by the Professional Standards Unit resulted in allegations of Discreditable Conduct and Insubordination under the Police Services Act. Constable Taks was initially suspended before he was reassigned to an administrative position within the Service.
On Sept. 4, 2017, the Professional Standards Unit concluded the investigation of a public complaint against Constable Taks which resulted in allegations of Discreditable Conduct and Insubordination under the Police Services Act. This public complaint arose from allegations that pre-dated his arrest on April 18, 2017. Subsequent continued investigation resulted in further allegations of Deceit, Corrupt Practice and Breach of Confidence.
On Oct. 6, 2017, Constable Taks was criminally charged with offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and was suspended from duty. Subsequent investigations by the Professional Standards Unit resulted in allegations of Discreditable Conduct, Corrupt Practice and Neglect of Duty under the Police Services Act.
On March 20, 2018, Constable Taks was criminally charged with 3 counts of Breach of Recognizance, which resulted in allegations of Discreditable Conduct under the Police Services Act following an investigation by the Professional Standards Unit.
The Niagara Regional Police Service Disciplinary Tribunal was initially convened on Oct. 10, 2017 to address the misconduct allegations against Constable Taks however the matters were deferred pending the outcome of criminal proceedings at the request of the Crown Attorney, pursuant to S. 83(15) of the Police Services Act.
Effective Dec. 1, 2018 , Constable Taks tendered his resignation from the Niagara Regional Police Service. On Dec. 11, 2018, Hearing Officer Deputy Chief Brett Flynn concluded disciplinary proceedings with the consent of the Crown Attorney, noting that Taks' resignation had resulted in the loss of jurisdiction to hear the allegations of misconduct as Taks was no longer employed as a police officer or subject to disciplinary provisions, pursuant to S. 90(1) of the Police Services Act.
