A seasoned detective from the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is facing a two-year demotion due to discreditable behavior. The disciplinary tribunal determined that the detective breached privacy by inappropriately accessing files of deceased children and questioning a parent about a mother’s vaccination status.
Constable Helen Grus was suspended in 2022 following accusations of engaging in an “unauthorized project” by accessing case files not assigned to her. Additionally, she was accused of interfering in an investigation by contacting the father of a deceased infant to inquire about the COVID-19 vaccination status of the mother.
Grus was found guilty of discreditable conduct in March 2025 and has been demoted from the rank of first-class constable to second-class constable for 24 months. Retired OPS superintendent Chris Renwick, who made the decision, emphasized the seriousness of abuse of power and bias-motivated actions within the police force.
Prosecutors advocated for the two-year demotion, highlighting Grus’ disregard for rules and checks and balances in law enforcement. The demotion is one of the severe disciplinary measures available to the tribunal, just below dismissal.
Despite attracting support from vaccine skeptics nationwide, Grus expressed difficulty in understanding why her actions were deemed discreditable. Her defense team suggested that the disciplinary process was perceived as retaliation for whistle-blowing, although no evidence supported this claim.
The 24-month demotion will result in Grus losing an estimated $30,000 in income and an additional $25,000 in missed opportunities since her initial suspension. Renwick criticized the conduct during the hearing, noting poor decorum, name-calling, and excessive objections that prolonged the proceedings.