Durham Police Constable Who Voiced Support for Freedom Convoy Demoted for Three Months

Trucks from the convoy protest against COVID-19 mandates and restrictions are parked on a road in Ottawa on Jan. 30, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld)

Durham Regional Police Constable Erin Howard has been demoted for three months after facing six disciplinary charges for voicing her support of the Ottawa Freedom Convoy protest and speaking out against pandemic-related mandates while in uniform.

At a hearing on Dec. 6 before retired Superintendent Greg Walton, Howard plead guilty to one charge of dishonourable conduct under the provincial police services act. Two charges of insubordination, two charges of breach of trust, and another charge of dishonourable conduct were dropped in a plea deal.

The alleged conduct took place between Nov. 7, 2021, and Jan. 24, 2022. In an agreed statement of facts, Howard said she “acted in a disorderly manner or in a manner prejudicial to discipline or likely to bring discredit upon the reputation of the police force.”

Durham, Ont., region police Constable Erin Howard was seen in a video posted on social media on Jan. 27, 2022. (Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

Howard, a serving police officer for four years, will be demoted from a first-class to a second-class constable for a three-month period.

In a Jan. 24 video posted on Facebook, Howard shared her views in support of the Convoy while in uniform. She also allegedly identified herself as an off-duty police officer while speaking out against pandemic mandates at a November 2021 Toronto freedom rally.

In a social media post on Jan. 24, which has since been removed, the constable called the truckers who went to Ottawa to protest “true heroes.”

“You’re fighting for our rights and freedoms,” she said from her squad car, “and, right now, it feels like we’re a little bit at war and those rights and freedoms are at stake.”

The police service first said on Twitter on Jan. 24 that Howard’s views “do not reflect the views and opinions of DRPS. We are currently looking into this matter.” Later, the police service alleged her video breached the force’s social media policy and put the profession in disrepute and laid charges.

Husband Charged

Howard’s husband, Constable Clay Harnum is also a police officer with Durham police. He was docked 60 hours of pay after pleading guilty to discreditable conduct on Oct. 5 at a police disciplinary hearing. One count of insubordination was withdrawn by the Crown.

Harnum was charged in relation to an Instagram post on Jan. 6, which had a photo of his wife in her police uniform with the caption, “Freedom of Speech is Essential. Please show your support for Constable Erin Howard.” The post included the work email address for the Durham chief of police, Todd Rollaueur.

Harnum, a police officer for 23 years in good standing, former soldier, and Afghanistan veteran, suggested people could send the chief messages of support for his wife, a constable also with Durham, who was facing discipline proceedings for public support of the Freedom Convoy in Ottawa.

After Harnum’s post on social media, the chief of police received more than 500 emails regarding Howard.

Harnum pled guilty to one count of discreditable conduct and was ordered to forfeit 60 hours of paid work, meaning he would either come into work on scheduled days off or annual leave days, and work the prescribed hours without pay. His commanding officer was left to determine the timeline to complete the 60 hours.

The hearing adjudicator, Superintendent Morris Elbers, said he recognized the constable was supporting his wife’s actions as it relates to free speech but did so as a uniformed employee.