Discreditable conduct allegations against Nelson, B.C., police officers substantiated
An investigation into racist comments and other inappropriate content shared in a WhatsApp group chat by current and former members of the Nelson Police Department has found many of the allegations substantiated.
On Wednesday, the department published an update on the investigation by the Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner, announcing allegations against both current and former members of the department had been substantiated.
The Vancouver Police Department completed the investigation on behalf of the OPCC on Feb. 9, and has submitted its "final investigative report" to the discipline authority, according to Nelson police.
The NPD statement does not go into detail about the allegations, saying only that they involved the "posting of inappropriate messages and memes" from 2018 to 2020. It also does not specify how many current and former officers were found to have committed discreditable conduct.
When it first announced its investigation in July 2022, the OPCC said it was looking into "the sharing of inappropriate content and messages including alleged racist comments."
The office also said the complaint involved eight current and former members of the Nelson department.
According to its website, the department has 20 deployable officers, eight support staff, nine reserve officers and two victim service workers.
On Wednesday, Nelson police said discreditable conduct allegations against both current and retired members had been substantiated, as had a neglect of duty allegation against one officer.
"Two current serving members have been cleared of any wrongdoing," the department said in its statement.
"The officers for whom allegations have been found to be substantiated now have the opportunity to prepare submissions regarding facts they believe mitigate the proposed discipline. The submissions can then be presented to the discipline authority at a discipline proceeding, which will take place in the coming weeks. The discipline authority will consider these submissions in deciding the final discipline to be imposed."
The department went on to say that it has been "working hard" to "build bridges" and focusing on hiring new officers "to improve the department's culture."
"We want to thank the public for their understanding as this process unfolds," the statement reads. "These findings should not deflect or paint a negative picture of our forces as a whole, as we have an incredible team, passionate about their work and our community."
Chief Donovan Fisher, who requested the OPCC investigation, also weighed in on the findings.
"Our force has been through a lot already this year, and although these findings are troublesome, we are determined to learn from this and grow as an organization," he said in the statement.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian family stuck in Lebanon anxiously awaits flight options amid Israeli strikes
A Canadian man who is trapped in Lebanon with his family says they are anxiously waiting for seats on a flight out of the country, as a barrage of Israeli airstrikes continues.
Suspect in shooting of Toronto cop was out on bail
A 21-year-old man who was charged with attempted murder in the shooting of a Toronto police officer this week was out on bail at the time of the alleged offence, court documents obtained by CTV News Toronto show.
Scientists looked at images from space to see how fast Antarctica is turning green. Here's what they found
Parts of icy Antarctica are turning green with plant life at an alarming rate as the region is gripped by extreme heat events, according to new research, sparking concerns about the changing landscape on this vast continent.
DEVELOPING 2 dead after fire rips through historic building in Old Montreal
At least two people are dead and others are injured after a fire ripped through a century-old building near Montreal's City Hall, sources told Noovo Info.
Yazidi woman captured by ISIS rescued in Gaza after more than a decade in captivity
A 21-year-old Yazidi woman has been rescued from Gaza where she had been held captive by Hamas for years after being trafficked by ISIS.
A 6-year-old girl was kidnapped in Arkansas in 1995. Almost 30 years later, a suspect was identified
Nearly 30 years after a six-year-old girl disappeared in Western Arkansas, authorities have identified a suspect in her abduction through DNA evidence.
Dolphins 'smile' at each other when they play and to avoid misunderstanding, study finds
For humans, flashing a smile is an easy way to avoid misunderstanding. And, according to a new study, bottlenose dolphins may use a similar tactic while playing with each other.
Pit bulls in B.C. pet mauling tested positive for meth, cocaine, says city
Three pit bulls involved in a deadly attack on another dog last month in Kamloops, B.C., tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine, and the city is going to court to have them put down.
Tax rebate: Canadians with low to modest incomes to receive payment on Friday
Canadians who are eligible for a GST/HST tax credit can expect their final payment of the year on Friday.