Delta Police Department Statement to Media Inquiry
In response to a recent media inquiry about a historical human resources and professional standards investigation, the Delta Police Department is providing the following statement:
In August 2017, Human Resources became aware from a 3rd party, that a female Constable on a platoon may be experiencing bullying and harassment.
Delta Police Human Resources reached out to the affected officer and sought further information to ascertain more detail as to the treatment of this officer by fellow team members on her assigned patrol shift. Based on these initial inquiries, Human Resources initiated a formal Police Act investigation into potential contravention of the Respectful Workplace Policy by several members of this Platoon, and notified the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner.
An investigative team from the Professional Standards section had conduct of the investigation and completed interviews and obtained statements from all the involved officers and potential witnesses. At the conclusion of the investigation, the investigative team prepared a Final Investigative Report that was presented to the Discipline Authority to assess culpability in relation to the allegations. Upon review by the Discipline Authority, the evidence did not meet the threshold to substantiate misconduct by the respondent officers, in relation to this particular member.
However, this investigation revealed a second incident involving a separate police officer, which was reported to the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner, and was investigated at the same time. This resulted in a finding of misconduct against two officers, and sanctions imposed.
The Delta Police Department used the allegations as an opportunity to examine its internal practices related to equity, diversity and inclusion. With this lens, in February 2018, the Discipline Authority made some recommendations to foster a more inclusive and professional organization. All proposed recommendations were implemented at the conclusion of this investigation.
The Office of the Police Complaint Commission (OPCC) provided oversight on this investigation and reviewed the investigation and Discipline Authority’s Decision. On March 28, 2018 the OPCC issued a Conclusion of Proceedings on this matter.