Vancouver Police Union slams deputy chief's 'overly charged' comments on sexual assault case

Warning: This story contains a reference to suicide.

The president of the Vancouver Police Union is taking aim at one of the department's highest-ranking officers, criticizing the "tone and language" she used when informing the public that two members of another force had been arrested for sexual assault.

Ralph Kaisers penned a letter to members in the wake of the news that an investigation led by the Vancouver Police Department resulted in two officers with the Central Saanich Police Service being criminally charged in connection to allegations they sexually assaulted the same woman.

One of those officers, Sgt. Matthew Ball, died by suicide after being released from custody, sources have confirmed to CTV News.

Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson – who leads the VPD's investigations section and reports directly to Chief Const. Adam Palmer – announced the charges via a media release and news conference Tuesday.

In Kaisers' letter, obtained by CTV News, he takes issue with one specific quote from the written statement.

"Allegations like these are deeply corrosive to the public trust police officers depend on to keep their communities safe,” Wilson said.

This statement, Kaisers claims, went beyond what was necessary in the circumstances.

"I share your concerns about how public statements, particularly those that are overly charged, can influence public perception and affect the morale of law enforcement professionals," he wrote.

"The description of the allegations as 'deeply corrosive to public trust' prior to any trial or conviction not only prejudges the case but also casts a shadow over the entire law enforcement community, who are working diligently and with integrity to serve their communities. Although the intent may be to demonstrate accountability, such statements must be measured to avoid eroding confidence in our profession."

Former B.C. solicitor general Kash Heed, who also served as chief of the West Vancouver Police Department, agrees.

"I have to agree with Mr. Kaisers and others with respect to the language, the demeanor and the tone that was used by the deputy chief,” Heed said.

Wilson’s choice of words is similar to language frequently used by police when describing non-law enforcement suspects facing charges – including some of her colleagues within the VPD.

Heed said all police officers who deal with the media need to pick their words carefully.

“I've always said from day one, always take the high road and do what you're supposed to as a public information officer,” he said. “Get the information out to the public and let them decide on what's going on, let our criminal justice system decide, guilty or innocent, of these particular people.”

Vancouver criminal lawyer Sarah Leamon says police must be very cautious with how they publicly describe suspects who have not yet had their day in court.

"Not only does it affect a person's ability to function in society as a person who is presumed innocent until proven guilty, but it can also affect the court proceedings as they move forward down the line,” Leamon said. 

The letter goes on to address Ball's death, calling it a "tragic loss" that illustrates the need for "police agencies across B.C. to practice what we preach when it comes to wellness and trauma-informed approaches."

Without making an explicit link between Wilson's statement and Ball's suicide, Kaisers says the "incident" is illustrative of the fact that the department "can and must do better."

The letter ends with Kaisers offering his condolences to those affected, and by thanking the officers who assisted with the VPD's investigation.

Ball was charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of breach of trust, and was due to appear in court in Victoria on Jan. 15, 2025.

Const. Ryan Johnston, who was charged with one count of sexual assault in the investigation, will appear on that date.

The Vancouver Police Department declined to comment on the letter. 

With files from CTV News Vancouver's Lisa Steacy 

If you or someone you know is in crisis, here are some resources that are available:

• Suicide Crisis Helpline (988)
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (1-800-463-2338)
• Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566, or 45645 by text)
• Kids Help Phone [phone])
• If you need immediate assistance, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital