The demotion of a Victoria Police Department (VicPD) officer who leaked confidential documents to the media will be reviewed by the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (OPCC).
According to a statement released by the OPCC on Tuesday, the review will determine whether the demotion of Const. Brent Keleher was appropriate and in accordance with the Police Act.
Keleher was demoted from sergeant to constable in December 2020 after an internal investigation found that he had leaked documents to the media regarding the investigation into the death of a man in police custody.
The OPCC’s review was initiated after Keleher filed a complaint, claiming that his demotion was unjust and that he was being punished for speaking out about issues within the department.
The OPCC has the authority to review disciplinary decisions made by police departments in British Columbia and can order a new investigation or disciplinary hearing if it deems necessary.
In a statement, the OPCC said that it takes all complaints seriously and will conduct a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding Keleher’s demotion.
The review is expected to take several months, and the OPCC will release its findings and recommendations once it is complete.
Keleher’s case has sparked debate about the protection of whistleblowers within police departments and the need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
The VicPD has not yet commented on the OPCC’s review, but has previously stated that it stands by its decision to demote Keleher.
This review by the OPCC will provide a crucial opportunity to examine the circumstances of Keleher’s demotion and ensure that the appropriate disciplinary measures were taken in accordance with the Police Act.
