The last few days have been difficult for me personally.
As Co-Chair of the Victoria Police Board with Mayor Barb Desjardins, I was legally required under the Police Act to oversee an internal investigation into the misconduct of Ex-Chief of Police Frank Elsner. Mayors are not legal experts, so we sought legal advice and hired an investigator, who the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner endorsed.
Two days ago, Police Complaint Commissioner, Stan Lowe, released a report on our efforts and the subsequent external investigation. This report contains an important recommendation for the Province to amend the Police Act, which I strongly support, but the report also unfairly calls into question my character and the character of Mayor Desjardins.
At this point, I would simply like to say three things:
- We followed the advice given by our legal counsel at each step along the way.
- We have serious concerns over the OPCC report as it relates to the process we followed and the board will be addressing these with the Solicitor General.
- Most importantly, the Victoria Police Board and Chief are committed to being proactive to ensure bullying and harassment are not tolerated and that there is always a safe reporting environment.
One of the most upsetting elements of this whole situation is the insinuation that I would protect a man engaged in bullying and harassment. I have been working on women’s issues and women’s rights since I was 15 years old. To suggest we were planning to ignore the allegations brought forward by female members of VicPD is simply untrue. It makes no sense. And to those who know me, it’s just not plausible.
In closing, this process has been difficult not just for the women and men at VicPD and myself and Mayor Desjardins, but it has also been difficult for all of Victoria and for police departments everywhere. When people in positions of power and authority abuse the trust of the public, it can take a long time for those affected to heal. That is my priority now as we move forward.
