The case of a Delta police officer who forged medical prescriptions for a powerful pain killer due to an addiction through no fault of his own is now closed.
A spokesperson for the Police Complaint Commission confirmed the case of Const. Geoffrey Young has ended with a recent Review on the Record ruling. The commission will not pursue the option of asking for a judicial review.
In the ruling, a retired judge assigned as the adjudicator determined the recommended disciplinary measures, which include treatment and monitoring, were sufficient, despite the Police Complaint Commissioner saying they didn’t go far enough.
Retired Judge Carole Lazar pointed out the officer, who had a series of medical issues, got hooked on a powerful pain medication prescribed by doctors who unwittingly made addicts out of their patients, and that the officer found himself in a “nightmarish” situation not knowing where to turn.
Noting the officer’s addiction was not due to recreational use, Lazar also admonished the drug manufactures for misleading physicians who were believed new opioids weren’t addictive.
Lazar also pointed out the B.C. government’s legal action against drug manufacturers.
As far as Young’s position with the Delta force, Chief Neil Dubord issued the following statement: “Delta Police was very pleased this past summer to welcome Const. Young back to uniform duties after his recovery. I’m happy to report that we were able to work with our long term disability provider to ensure Const. Young received the treatment he required. I’d also like to recognize the compassion and understanding shown by Const. Young’s co-workers, as I believe this assisted in his successful transition back to work.”
For more on the story, check https://www.delta-optimist.com/news/retired-judge-shows-compassion-to-delta-officer-who-was-hooked-on-pain-medication-1.23482509
