![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976186.1721847997!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Ottawa police officer accused of accessing police databases in death of infant and child cases
A public disciplinary hearing continued Thursday for an Ottawa Police constable who allegedly accessed police database to get private information in the deaths of nine infant and child cases.
Cases where she had no investigative role or responsibility in.
Const. Helen Grus is facing one charge of discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act. The virtual disciplinary hearing is being led by retired police Supt. Chris Renwick.
According to police documents, police allege between June 2020 and January 2022, Grus acted in a "disorderly manner" when Grus "self-initiated an unauthorized project" and accessed private information from nine child or infant death cases. Police say Grus did not record her involvement or findings in the file.
Grus is also facing allegations of interference when police say in January 2022, she allegedly contacted the father of a deceased baby to ask the COVID-19 vaccination status of the mother. Police say Grus did not tell the lead detective in the case and did not have authorization.
Police say the acts are an offence contrary to Police Services Act.
Grus first appeared before the disciplinary hearing in August.
On Thursday, Angela Stewart, representing the prosecution, asked for more time to disclose additional information to the defence.
Grus has waived legal representation and was joined at the hearing by Pam Twining of the Ottawa Police Association.
Stewart says both parties have had discussions, but Twining is waiting for an offer in writing to take to Grus.
The next step in the hearing will take place on Oct. 11.
The allegations have not been proven in front of the hearing.
The Ottawa Police Association says they do not generally comment on an ongoing hearing, but says Const. Grus has the support of the OPA during this trying and difficult time.
Cst. Grus has been suspended with pay since February 4, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
AS IT HAPPENED Wildfire reaches Jasper Wednesday night, causes 'significant loss'
One of two wildfires threatening Jasper National Park reached the townsite Wednesday night and caused 'significant loss.'
Alberta calls in army to assist with wildfire situation
Alberta has called in the Canadian Armed Forces to help assist with the worsening wildfire situation in the province.
Biden explains why he ended re-election bid in Oval Office address
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country's democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
Norad intercepts Russian and Chinese bombers operating together near Alaska in apparent first
The North American Aerospace Defence Command (Norad) intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers flying near Alaska Wednesday in what appears to be the first time the two countries have been intercepted while operating together.
2 Canadians being 'sent home immediately,' removed from Olympic team after drone incident
An analyst and an assistant coach with Canada Soccer are being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and 'sent home immediately,' according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
An unwelcome attendee has joined the Paris Olympic Games: COVID-19
After a handful of Australian water polo players tested positive for COVID-19 this week, questions have emerged around how the spread of the disease will be mitigated at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Vacations, meals, booze: Contractor used $100K of charity's money for personal expenses, B.C. court finds
A B.C. man who was hired to help a non-profit build a food hub but instead spent the money on personal expenses – including travel, restaurants, booze and cannabis – has been ordered to pay more than $120,000 in damages.
Male, female killed, 2 others injured in 'gun battle' outside Toronto plaza: police
Two people are dead and two others suffered serious injuries following a shooting that police have described as a 'gun battle' outside a plaza in Scarborough, Ont. early Wednesday morning.