New Westminster – The New Westminster Police Department can confirm that on March 10, 2014 we received Orders for an External Investigation, from the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner related to Police Act investigations against 17 members of the Abbotsford Police Department and one member of the Vancouver Police Department. The Police Act investigations stem from a criminal investigation carried out by the Vancouver Police Department into the conduct of Constable Chris NICHOLSON of the Abbotsford Police Department in 2012 / 2013, which led to his eventual arrest.
The total number of misconduct allegations at present is 148 with Constable NICHOLSON facing numerous allegations. The allegations are serious and include corrupt practice and deceit.
This investigation is very complex and undergoing constant review and reexamination of available materials by the investigators to ensure that all matters are fully canvassed. In addition to the New Westminster Police Department members tasked with this investigation, additional resources have been provided by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Delta Police Department.
New Westminster Police, Chief Constable Dave Jones, has been designated as an external discipline authority for these matters.
The Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner (OPCC) has oversight of the investigations that are underway.
Due to the confidentiality of the Police Act process, the New Westminster Police Department will not publicly discuss any specific allegation.
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