Former school liaison officer awaiting approval of complaint
The News has learned that a second human rights complaint against the Oak Bay Police Department is being processed.
Const. Davinder Dalep confirmed Wednesday that he filed a complaint with the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal and is awaiting approval of that application.
Dalep who spent time as the department’s school liaison officer, declined to speak publicly about the nature of his grievance. He is the only officer in the 25-member department who is a visible minority.
Interim police Chief Derek Egan declined to speak specifically about Dalep’s complaint.
Asked whether the culture and attitudes within the department were a problem, Egan said, “I think that was the level of concern … (It) was evidenced by the fact that the two audits were done and the results of those audits have been released.”
He was referring to separate reviews that explored policy, procedure and structure in the organization. The reports were released publicly last month.
Dalep’s complaint follows another filed in October 2009 by Const. Jennifer Gibbs. In her submission to the tribunal, Gibbs accuses Deputy Chief Kent Thom and Sgt. Ray Maxwell of mistreating her based on her gender. She also claims that she was passed over for a promotion in favour of a male officer with less experience.
No hearing date has been scheduled for Gibbs’ complaint.
ecardone@vicnews.com