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NWPD Statement On The Resignation Of Former Constable Jeff Klassen

On May 3rd, 2012 former NWPD Constable Jeff KLASSEN submitted his resignation to Chief Constable Dave JONES. Chief JONES has accepted that resignation.

While it is not the normal practice for NWPD to comment on personnel matters, given the elevated amount of media interest regarding Mr. KLASSEN, it was decided it was in the public interest to release this information.

By way of background; On January 21st, 2009, Constable KLASSEN and two other off-duty officers were arrested by members of the Vancouver Police Department following an altercation with a paper delivery person.  A Police Act investigation was initiated by the NWPD and Constable KLASSEN was immediately suspended with pay by then NWPD Chief Constable ZAPOTICHNY.

Subsequent to the VPD criminal investigation, Constable KLASSEN was charged criminally with assault and possession of stolen property. On April 5th, 2011 Constable KLASSEN was found guilty of assault by the Honorable Judge WERIER in Vancouver Provincial Court

On April 20th, 2011, after reviewing the circumstances associated with his suspension, the NWPD Police Board removed Constable KLASSEN’s pay.

On June 10th, 2011 Constable KLASSEN was sentenced by Judge WERIER to a conditional discharge and placed on probation for one year.

The Police Act matters involving Mr. KLASSEN have not been resolved. Under the previous Police Act, once a member’s employment as a police officer ended, the Police Act matters were automatically terminated. Under the current Police Act, the NWPD must conclude the investigation and report to the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner with both findings and recommendations as if the subject officer were still employed. Under the circumstances, the NWPD is limited in making further comment at this time.

What the NWPD can confirm is that the decision on resignation was made by Mr. KLASSEN and no financial incentive or package was offered or given to him by the NWPD in return for his resignation. Also, at the time of his resignation, he remained suspended without pay.

All questions involving Mr. KLASSEN should be directed to the office of the Police Complaint Commissioner.