West Vancouver’s police chief steps down
Posted February 17, 2014 11:13 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
WEST VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – There’s a change at the top of the West Vancouver police force, amid accusations of a toxic work environment.
Police Chief Peter Lepine is stepping down, but says he’s simply retiring and the two are not connected. “That timing was now. It was last week when I told the board that I was moving forward and at that point, here we were today. The unfortunate part was the reports that appeared today around other things that were going on in the department.”
Lepine adds he is also upset with media reporting on anonymous accusations from an employee engagement survey. “The topic of employee engagement and harassment in the workplace are important issues to me. And as much as the timing is never good, it is what is is in terms of how that all worked out.”
West Vancouver Mayor Mike Smith confirms receiving notice from Lepine last week. He says the search will begin immediately for a replacement. “As soon as we have that in place, then the chief’s retirement will take place.”
As for whether to expect more change, Smith would only say “There will be changes in the leadership of the West Vancouver Police Department.”
The police force is facing claims of low morale and a poor culture.
Former Police Chief Kash Heed says he’s been hearing about it for several months. “They’ve been the victim of racial slurs, sexual innuendos, bullying and harassment.”
“I’ve been hearing from several members — civilian and sworn members — within the West Van Police Department over the last several months,” he adds.
Heed thinks the Vancouver Police Department may need to be brought in to help fix the West Vancouver force.
