In a significant disciplinary action that has sent ripples through law enforcement circles, an Ottawa police constable has been demoted for engaging in sexual activities while on duty, undermining public trust in the police service and raising questions about professional conduct standards within the force.
Constable Daniel Montsion, a veteran officer with the Ottawa Police Service, was demoted from first-class to second-class constable following a Police Services Act hearing that concluded last week. The demotion, which carries substantial financial penalties, comes after an internal investigation confirmed that Montsion engaged in sexual activity during working hours while in uniform and on active duty.
“Officers are held to the highest standards of professional conduct, and this behavior represents a serious breach of public trust,” said Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly in a statement obtained by CO24 News. “The decision to impose this demotion reflects the gravity of the misconduct and our commitment to accountability.”
According to disciplinary hearing documents, the incident occurred when Montsion visited a private residence while responding to a non-emergency call in January 2024. Instead of completing his assigned duties, the officer engaged in consensual sexual activity with an individual unrelated to the call. The misconduct came to light when a fellow officer reported concerns about Montsion’s extended absence from patrol.
The Ottawa Police Association, while acknowledging the seriousness of the misconduct, noted that Montsion had accepted responsibility for his actions and cooperated fully with the investigation. The demotion will remain in effect for 12 months, during which time Montsion will lose approximately $15,000 in salary before becoming eligible to reapply for first-class constable status.
This case emerges amid growing scrutiny of police conduct across Canada, with advocacy groups calling for greater transparency in disciplinary proceedings. Police accountability expert Dr. Kanika Williams from Carleton University told CO24 that such incidents, while rare, significantly damage public confidence.
“When officers misuse their authority or duty time for personal gratification, it erodes the foundation of trust that effective policing depends on,” Williams explained. “The public needs to see that these breaches are taken seriously and addressed with appropriate consequences.”
The Ottawa Police Service has confirmed that Montsion will undergo additional professional standards training and remain under supervision upon his return to active duty. The disciplinary decision also mandates counseling and ethics courses before consideration for reinstatement to his previous rank.
Community reaction has been mixed, with some residents suggesting the punishment should have been more severe, while others acknowledge the importance of proportional discipline that allows for rehabilitation.
As police services across the country continue to navigate challenging conversations about accountability and professional standards, this case raises important questions about the balance between individual misconduct and institutional responsibility: How effectively can police services monitor officer conduct while respecting operational autonomy, and what systemic changes might prevent similar breaches of trust in the future?
