An eight year veteran with the Waterloo Regional Police Service admitted at a hearing on Thursday that she bought and smoked marijuana.
Const. Jennifer Falsetto, appearing on multiple discreditable conduct charges under the Police Services Act, admitted to the allegations.
In addition, Falsetto admitted that the marijuana use often happened in the company of other officers and that an officer supplied the drugs at some parties.
Falsetto is currently under suspension, but previously worked at the force's South Division.
Defence lawyer Pamela Machado says "Today was definitely not an easy day for Const. Falsetto. This has been a very long, drawn out procedure and she was happy to get this portion of the deposition hearing done today."
The officer also admitted to smoking marijuana on numerous other occasions and to purchasing it between six and eight times from a relative.
"Dismissal is always on the table for these types of serious charges, as you put them. However, Const. Falsetto has an otherwise impeccable career. She is an experienced officer and she made a mistake that she's owning up to today, so we're hoping the service will find a place for her."
Sentencing isn't expected to take place for another three to six months, and officials with the force won't comment until the matter is concluded.
Ian Sweet with the Waterloo Regional Police Association says "We're hopeful. At the [Police Services Act] hearings she stood up and admitted her guilt, which is very commendable. She took responsibility for her actions and we'll see what the sentencing has to say."
Falsetto is not facing any criminal charges related to the misconduct.
Last June, four other officers pleaded guilty to discreditable conduct for failing to report drug usage by officers at parties.
Two additional officers are still facing charges.
