Bridgewater police chief facing allegations of sexual assault 
When
you have police officers who abuse citizens, you erode public confidence in law
enforcement. That makes the job of good police officers unsafe. .-
Mary Frances Berry
http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/bridgewater-police-chief-facing-allegations-of-sexual-assault-1.3048911
Police chief investigated for sex assault
Bridgewater Police Chief John
Collyer has confirmed to CTV News that he is under investigation for sexual
assault.
“It is significant when a chief of
police is being investigated, particularly for such a serious allegation as
sexual assault,” Collyer told CTV News in an email Monday. “I have been placed
on administrative leave until these allegations can be fully
investigated. I await the results of SIRT's investigation. At this
time, I will not be making any further comment on the advice of my lawyer.”
The Bridgewater Police Commission is
also awaiting SIRT’s report after placing Collyer on administrative leave.
“Try to ensure that the police
service will continue to operate in a high level of efficiency and do as little
harm as possible to the police service, while at the same time of course
protecting the public,” said Pat Cappello, chair of the Bridgewater Police
Commission.
SIRT was first informed of the
allegations by another police agency on Aug. 4.
In addition to sexual assault, SIRT
is also investigating Collyer for obstruction of justice, in connection with
possible issues surrounding evidence relevant to the case.
Bridgewater Mayor David Walker says
there has been a great deal of speculation in the community since the
investigation was announced.
“It was a really shocked to hear the
allegations,” said Walker. “But until the SIRT investigation is over, until
then, I guess I reserve judgement or comments.”
Walker says the fact that Collyer
has come forward to identify himself will help his fellow members and the
community.
“Credit to Chief Collyer in clearing
the air that way,” said Walker. “I think he wanted to make sure that people in
the town of Bridgewater realize it's not a member who is currently out policing
them.”
Meanwhile, residents in the area are
offering mixed reactions.
“I mean, he's a person of power and
you know, should be a person we can trust,” said area resident Lyn Fleck.
“Always innocent until proven
guilty, but it's sort of worrisome when you have people of that stature,” said
resident Robert Todd.
Police commissioners placed Collyer
on administrative leave after an emergency in-camera meeting Aug. 18. Collyer
will be required to stay home with pay for an indeterminate amount of time, but
he is not suspended.
No charges have been laid at this
time.
The deputy chief has assumed command
of the force and says his officers are trying to conduct business as usual.
“Obviously the chief is of more
leadership, expecting him to show a good example, so it's more serious in that
regard,” said Walker. “But I think these allegations are serious no matter
which member they were made against.
”
Collyer has been chief of police in
Bridgewater for five years. He is a long-serving officer with 26 years on the
force.
