Pubdate: Thu, 19 Feb 2015
Source: Metro (Vancouver, CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775
Author: Matt Kieltyka

POLICE UNDER INVESTIGATION

Crime. There are 148 allegations of misconduct against 17 Abbotsford officers

The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner is investigating 17 
members of the Abbotsford Police Department for alleged misconduct.

To date, the OPCC says there have been 148 allegations of misconduct 
under the Police Act against the officers, including corrupt 
practice, deceit and neglect of duty.

"The Police Complaint Commissioner has determined that it is in the 
public interest to inform the public of an ongoing investigation 
involving serious allegations against members of the Abbotsford 
Police Department. The OPCC has withheld notice until now to protect 
the integrity of the investigation," reads the statement, released Wednesday.

"The allegations are serious in nature and primarily relate to issues 
with the integrity of statements that were provided by police 
officers to judicial officers pursuant to the authorization process 
for search warrants."

The OPCC learned of the allegations as the Vancouver Police 
Department investigated one Abbotsford officer, Const. Christopher 
Nicholson, for suspected criminal offences in 2013.

Nicholson was arrested and charged in May 2013 for breach of trust, 
obstruction of justice and conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance.

Abbotsford police spokesman Const. Ian MacDonald said Nicholson has 
been suspended without pay pending the outcome of his trial.

Abbotsford police Chief Bob Rich said the other 16 officers have been 
moved off drug investigations but remain on duty.

He said he believes many of the allegations against them stem from 
clerical and procedural
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom