Fredericton police officer accused of misappropriation of funds

The New Brunswick Police Commission says it will put its investigation of a Fredericton Police Force member's conduct on hold while a criminal investigation of the officer is dealt with.

The unnamed officer, who is an executive member of the New Brunswick Police Association, is accused of misappropriation of funds from the association, which is a lobby group for police officers.

"NBPA has publicly stated its intention to lodge a criminal complaint against the individual," who is currently suspended with pay, the commission said in a statement on Wednesday.

"When this occurs, the commission will suspend the processing of the conduct complaint until the completion of the criminal investigation."

The conduct complaint to the commission was made by Fredericton Police Chief Leanne Fitch, according to the statement.

The commission is responsible for investigating complaints made by any person about the conduct of a municipal or regional police officer in New Brunswick.

Police held to higher standard

"It is true that at present, the Fredericton Police Force has members suspended while criminal and/or Police Act investigations and processes are underway," the chief said in a statement issued in response to the commission's statement "to offer perspective to the public and the media regarding police officer conduct."

"Without a doubt officer suspensions cast a poor shadow not only on your local force, but on the reputation of people in this profession everywhere. We all feel this acutely as we work in an environment that is very visible and highly accountable to the people we serve."

Fitch says only about 0.1 per cent of the more than 23,000 calls for service per year result in some form of complaint about officer conduct and/or policing services.

But police are "rightly" held to a higher standard of conduct than the average citizen," due to the "significant powers" vested in them, and when there are complaints, it is her job to ensure that due processes are followed, she said.

"Your local police force consists of many professional and honourable officers who are truly dedicated to providing top level service in our community," said Fitch.

"I also know that officers as human beings can make mistakes or act in a regrettable way on or off duty."

A police chief can only suspend without pay, or terminate an officer if he or she is deemed guilty and/or legal arbitration processes are complete, she added, declining any further comment.