Durham cops stop paying 60 hours for post targeting chief over wife’s ‘Freedom Convoy’ video

A Durham County Police Officer has been ordered to work an additional 60 hours after he targeted the Chief of Police on Instagram.

The decision follows a disciplinary hearing on October 5, when Officer Clayton Harnham pleaded guilty to one count of discreditable conduct.

The accusation stems from an Instagram post he shared earlier this year in support of his wife, Consto. Erin Howard, also a Durham police officer. Around January 24, Howard posted a video of himself on his social media. In the video, he appears in uniform and delivers a message of support for the “Freedom Convoy” who have taken over downtown Ottawa.

Howard then faced a disciplinary hearing for the post.

In Harnum’s Instagram post, he called on people to reach out to Durham Police Chief Todd Rollauer and “let them know you stand by Erin.” The post included the chief’s email address, where about 500 people sent messages about Howard.

The post also featured a photo of his wife, writing, “Free speech is essential! Show your support for Constable Erin Howard.”

In a statement of agreed facts, Harnam acknowledged sharing the post with his 118 followers, saying his actions constituted an act of distrust and that “this misconduct jeopardizes the integrity and reputation of the service. I was exposed.”

In a judgment handed down on November 16, Inquisitor Morris Elbers ordered Const. Clayton Harnham will work an extra 60 hours on holidays or annual paid leave over a timeline determined by his division commander “in light of the seriousness of these allegations.”

“The public observes and evaluates the police 24/7,” he wrote in the decision. “We, as individuals and as a professional organization, must be mindful of this fact. Our members must always behave in a professional manner, whether on or off duty. .”

Police demanded confiscation of 90 hours of Harnum’s salary, and lawyers demanded disciplinary action.

Harnum also faced one count of disobedience, which was dropped by prosecutors.

Elbers said there were no previous fields listed in Harnum’s 23-year military career.

But he also said he was “not sure” about what the officer had learned from his indiscretion and that “he is fully prepared to take responsibility for his actions.”

He said Harnam’s “feelings as a husband have replaced his professionalism as a police officer” and that he must accept that what he has done is unacceptable.

“As a senior, I remember you acting with a complete lack of professionalism, judgment and civility, which is expected of all members of the Durham Local Police,” Elbers wrote. .

He said the punishment would have been harsher had it not been for the positive comments and observations about Harnam that were relayed by his defense attorney.

The Durham Area Police Association, which represents police in the Durham area, did not immediately return a request for comment on the decision.