Vancouver chief seeks to reassure public on probe of officers
Last Updated: Friday, January 23, 2009 | 2:11 PM PT
CBC News
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The public should have confidence in the police investigation of three Lower Mainland officers who were arrested earlier this week for an alleged assault and robbery in downtown Vancouver, Vancouver's police chief says.
"For the sake of preserving the public's respect and belief in the integrity of that process, I believe it is important to reassure them on this matter," Chief Const. Jim Chu in a statement released Friday afternoon.
"This investigation is being pursued aggressively and fully. We are in the process of interviewing witnesses and examining evidence, including any video that may have been recorded," Chu said.
No charges have been laid against the three junior officers from the New Westminster, West Vancouver and Delta police forces. Those forces are also currently conducting internal police conduct investigations.
"I am in consultation with all three chiefs to ensure that we share our information so that they can continue their Police Act investigations and make determinations about the status of these officers," Chu said.
B.C.'s police complaints commissioner, Dirk Ryneveld, said Thursday his office would be monitoring all four investigations.
Delta officer reassigned to desk duties
In another development, Delta police spokeswoman Const. Sharlene Brooks said the Delta officer involved, a patrolman with three years experience, has been reassigned to desk duties.
"The most appropriate course of action at this time is to place the officer on administrative duties. That certainly can and will be reassessed as additional details are learned through the course of the investigation," Brooks said.
Earlier this week, the officer with the West Vancouver police was also reassigned to a desk job, while the New Westminster officer was suspended with pay for at least 30 days.
The officers' names have not been made public.
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