A Saanich police officer who allegedly used unauthorized photos and training footage of tactical team members to promote a macho workout video is stepping down from the SPD.
Sgt. Todd Lamb, who is currently under investigation for the video, tendered his resignation from the department Tuesday, though spokesman Sgt. Steve Eassie noted his pending departure is not in response to disciplinary action.
“As far as any details relating to the personal choices made by Sgt. Lamb and his decision to tender his resignation, the only person that would be able to answer that would be him,” said Eassie.
“That resignation will be taking place in the next few weeks. It did not have anything to do with any discipline matters within the department, and that Police Act investigation is still ongoing.”
The workout program, Spec Force Alpha, made the news in June after the promotional video was found on YouTube, touting its ability to turn any man into a dominant male. The product promotes itself as a tactical fitness guide, promoting the threat of “silent feminization” to men as a negative concept, as well as the “sissification” of men.
The video generated a public backlash, prompting Lamb to step back as president of the Saanich Police Association union and apologize in a letter to members for the hyper-masculinity of the product.
Lamb’s letter of apology puts blame on himself and the marketing company responsible for the ad copy, saying the company ran the copy past him.
“The marketing company responsible for the ad copy ran it by me and I checked with both males and females in the fitness industry who agreed it was not offensive,” he wrote. “If the product has offended you, I apologize.”
Lamb also referenced past efforts to stand up for female officers in the Saanich workplace.
“I will do what I can to make (Spec Force Alpha) better and continue to work towards my personal goals of transforming people’s lives.”
While Saanich Police Chief Bob Downie has not commented on the video, the Saanich Police Board released a statement shortly after it was discovered.
“The (police) board is aware of concerns about activities constituting outside employment engaged in by an SPD officer that may conflict with the officer’s duties. The matter is under review by the SPD’s professional standards office to examine whether they comply with internal policies and the Police Act. The board cannot comment while this review is underway.”