SYDNEY, N.S. -- The union that represents a Cape Breton police officer charged with identity fraud is questioning whether appropriate force was used during his arrest.
The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union says the officer, a 15-year member of the Cape Breton police force, was arrested early Wednesday morning at his home.
President Joan Jessome says the officer, his wife and his three young children awoke to find a team of RCMP officers, some armed with carbine assault rifles, inside their home.
She says it seems excessive to have armed officers "storm" a house to retrieve a computer.
Jessome also questioned why police couldn't have arrested him when he was scheduled to go into work the next day.
RCMP Const. Mark Skinner says police action during any search is based on a risk assessment.
"In order to prevent injuries to all parties involved, police may use a number of options when we conduct a search," said Skinner. "In this case, actions of the RCMP were consistent with this approach."
The charges against the 39-year-old man involve fraudulently impersonating another person, living or dead.
RCMP say during his arrest, investigators seized electronic devices and a computer from a police-owned vehicle.
The Mounties say the accused has been released from custody and will appear in Sydney provincial court Dec. 15.
The Cape Breton Regional Police has said the officer in question has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.
They say the officer will be paid for 60 days as required by the Police Act, after which time the chief of police will make a decision on whether he should continue to be paid.
