A Stl’atl’imx Tribal Police Service (STPS) officer is under investigation for allegations of criminal wrongdoing and has been placed on leave, according to a release Tuesday from the police force.
On Dec. 22, 2022, Stl’atl’imx police say they “became aware of alleged activities involving a member of their police service” that reportedly took place outside of STPS jurisdiction.
“The STPS take any allegations of criminal wrongdoing by any employee of their police service very seriously. We have taken measures to ensure a full and fair investigation while making every attempt to maintain community trust,” said STPS Chief Const. Deborah Doss-Cody in the release. “We believe others need to tell their truths about what happened to them, and we encourage any person who may have been involved or has knowledge of these matters to reach out to the RCMP investigators and Victim Services.”
The case has been assigned to the Sea to Sky RCMP General Investigation Section, with oversight being provided by additional senior investigators from the Lower Mainland District RCMP, the STPS said.
A spokesperson for the Sea to Sky RCMP declined to provide additional information about the investigation or the nature of the allegations.
The matter has also been referred to the Office of Police Complaints Commission, B.C.’s independent, civilian oversight agency.
The STPS officer has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing, the police force said.
The Stl’atl’imx Tribal Police Service is the only self-administered First Nations Police Service in B.C., and operates in 10 participating St'at'imc communities. Officers are designated as provincial constables.
RCMP Victim Services encourage anyone affected by this matter to call 604-905-1969, or email [email protected] for information and confidential support.
Anyone with information about this file is asked to contact the Sea to Sky RCMP at 604-932-3044.
“Given that this matter is now in the hands of the RCMP, the STPS is unable to make any further comments regarding any aspect of the criminal investigation,” the police force said in its release.
Pique will continue to follow this story as it develops.
