An Ottawa police officer has been charged with impaired driving, the Ottawa Police Service confirmed on July 8, 2026. The officer, whose name has not been released, was arrested and charged following an incident that occurred earlier this week.
Details of the charge
According to a statement from the Ottawa Police Service, the officer was charged with operation of a conveyance while impaired by alcohol. The charge was laid after an investigation by the service's professional standards section. The officer has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the legal process, as per standard procedure under the Police Services Act.
“We take these matters very seriously,” said a police spokesperson. “The Ottawa Police Service holds its members to the highest standards of conduct, and any allegations of misconduct are thoroughly investigated.”
Impact on the force
The charge has raised concerns about accountability within the police force. According to statistics from the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General, there were 12 impaired driving charges against police officers in the province in 2025, a slight increase from the previous year. The Ottawa Police Service has implemented additional training on substance abuse and mental health support for its officers in recent years.
The officer is scheduled to appear in court at a later date. The Ottawa Police Service has stated that it will not comment further while the matter is before the courts.
