Saanich Mayor Richard Atwell has been asked to step down as chair of the district’s police board after leveling bombshell allegations against law enforcement.
Atwell held a press conference this week suggesting police may have leaked details about a reported altercation he had with a supporter’s fiancé, and questioning how many times he’d been pulled over by Mounties since launching his mayoral bid.
On Thursday, the Saanich Police Board said Atwell’s conduct put members in “an untenable position,” and that it had asked the Ministry of Justice to investigate.
“The board has requested Mayor Atwell to step aside as chair until the board receives advice from the minister,” member Lori Staples said.
Atwell, who automatically became chair when he was voted mayor, said he hasn’t decided how he’ll respond.
“I haven’t received legal advice either way,” he told reporters Thursday. “It’s a legislated position, so maybe this is new ground that we’re breaking here.”
According to the Police Act, boards can elect an alternative chair from current members if the chair “is absent or unable to act.”
Atwell didn’t attend Thursday’s board meeting.
The mayor has already filed a formal complaint against the Saanich Police Department. It’s unclear whether the B.C. Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner will follow-up on his concerns.
