June 29, 2020 - 11:11 AM
DELTA, B.C. - The deputy police chief in Delta, B.C., says the department's handling of an assault complaint filed against the wife of Chief Neil Dubord is being reviewed by the RCMP.
Deputy Chief Const. Norm Lepinski says the case was handed to the RCMP for an independent review because the woman who made the complaint said she was dissatisfied with the outcome of Delta's investigation.
In a statement, Lepinski says Dubord recused himself from Delta's investigation, which was handled by a supervisor and overseen by a senior manager.
He says this level of oversight is not standard practice, "but I felt it was required given the nature of the matter."
Lepinski says the Delta Police Board has called an open meeting for Tuesday and the public may submit any questions they have about the case.
Dubord also issued a statement about the alleged incident on June 7, saying that sending the case to an independent police department ensures transparency and accountability.
"I want to say unreservedly that the matter at hand in no way reflects the values and commitment to the community of the officers of the Delta Police Department, nor my own values," he says.
Dubord says the complaint does not involve a member of the police department.
"Given the recent, meaningful and important discourse taking place around systemic racism, discrimination and violence in North America, I understand that transparency and trust are critically important — especially from those in the police department. That is why I felt it is important for me to issue a public statement," Dubord writes.
"As we look forward, it is my duty as chief of police and, indeed the responsibility of the entire department to continue our efforts to exemplify the excellence in policing that our community expects from us. But I also recognize that I personally, and our department, need to continue to listen, learn, and improve."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 29, 2020.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2020