Since his resignation from the West Vancouver Police two weeks ago, two separate complaints have been filed to the Police Complaints office about former Chief Kash Heed.
Doug Bruce is one of two West Vancouver officers who were under investigation for allegedly mishandling a drunk driving case involving one of their officers back in 2005. The two avoided a public hearing when they retired before it could begin, but Bruce insists he was forced to retire by then-boss Heed and Police Board Chair and West Vancouver Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones.
"They sent a letter to my lawyer offering to pay all of my legal fees, pay out of all of my annual leave, and withdraw the charges if I retired December 31st," Bruce told CTV News.
Bruce says he always wanted the hearing to go through so he could clear his name, but now he thinks he's found another way.
"I laid a form - one conduct of complaint against Kash Heed and Pamela Goldsmith-Jones and the West Vancouver Police Board for the things they've done as far as releasing my name and the allegations etc.," he said.
Bruce has filed six complaints, including improper disclosure of information to the media (including CTV News), discredible conduct and corrupt practice.
Calls to Heed from CTV News on Tuesday were unanswered. The former chief is also facing another complaint for allegedly interfering with a police investigation. Both are being handled by Goldsmith-Jones.
"What I've decided to do is engage retired Judge Ben Casson as an independent advisor to ensure the integrity of the process," she told CTV News from her West Vancouver office.
The next step is for the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner to decide whether an investigation is warranted.
With a report by CTV British Columbia's Reshmi Nair
