Bob Mackin
A Surrey Police Service officer hired in May was arrested Aug. 16 by the Surrey RCMP for breach of trust.
Surrey Police Chief Norm Lipinski.
Surrey Police Chief Norm Lipinski, who did not name the officer, confirmed that the officer was released on conditions, pending further investigation.
“The SPS officer is facing a charge for an alleged breach of trust, however the charge has not yet been approved by B.C. Prosecution Service,” said a statement from Lipinski. “SPS has notified the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner about the incident.”
The statement said the officer was hired by SPS with just over one year of policing experience.
Lipinski announced he had suspended the officer with pay, pending outcome of the Surrey RCMP probe. He did not release the officer’s name.
Surrey RCMP said it “became aware of some information that resulted” in an investigation.
“That investigation is active and ongoing,” said the Surrey RCMP statement. “SPS were notified and initiated their internal processes related to conduct. We are not able to provide any further information at this time.”
SPS was established after Doug McCallum won the mayoralty in the 2018 election and is expected to be an issue in the Oct. 15 election. Coun. Brenda Locke, one of four challengers to McCallum for the job, has promised to scrap the transition.
The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner said the Vancouver Police Department has been assigned to investigate the officer’s conduct under the Police Act. Deputy Police Complaint Commissioner Andrea Spindler said the Surrey Police Service contacted her office about the case.
“As there is an active criminal investigation underway, the OPCC is unable to provide further details,” Spindler said.
In June, the B.C. Prosecution Service announced charges of breach of trust and fraud against Surrey RCMP Cpl. Peter Leckie for offences from 2014 to 2020. He is accused of obtaining information from police databases about women for the purpose of engaging in intimate relationships.
Support theBreaker.news for as low as $2 a month on Patreon. Find out how. Click here.
