A St. Thomas Police officer has been demoted to the rank of fourth-class constable following a police disciplinary hearing, the result of a physical confrontation with his estranged wife in 2019.
In a hearing last September, it was determined Const. Steve Cudney – a 20-year veteran – used excessive and unnecessary physical force in the confrontation with his wife. In doing so, he faced two counts of discreditable conduct under St.Thomas Police Service policy.
St. Thomas Police Service lawyer Ian Johnstone sought Cudney’s dismissal from the force. Defence lawyer Phillip Millar argued dismissal was inappropriate and a more fitting sanction was a demotion in rank for a period of not more than 12 months.
The hearing officer, retired OPP Supt. Greg Walton, ordered the demotion for a period of 12 months and, subject to a satisfactory work performance, he would be promoted to third-class constable. A difference in salary of about $25,000 in the first year.
The same process would apply until Cudney is re-instated as a first-class constable.
St. Thomas Police Chief Chris Herridge had sought dismissal but says he respects the decision.
“I want to assure the community that this is not a reflection of the professional women and men who work so hard every day to uphold the law and keep our community safe,” advised Herridge in a statement.
“We are sharing this information with the public, as we always do, in the interest of openness and transparency. We are committed to accountability and integrity as an organization. Even though I had requested a dismissal in this case, I respect the hearing officer’s decision and penalty imposed. We have and will continue to hold our members responsible for their actions.”
