The Sarnia Police Service Board says it will not provide additional public comment on an ongoing workplace harassment investigation involving Police Chief Derek Davis, Deputy Chief Ron Hansen and a civilian member.
In a statement released Wednesday, board chair Kelly Ash said the board understands the public interest surrounding the matter but believes disclosing details of the complaints would be inappropriate.
“The Board will not be speaking publicly or providing further commentary,” Ash said.
“This decision is rooted in two critical principles.”
The board said maintaining confidentiality is necessary to protect “the rights, dignity, and personal privacy of all individuals involved” and to preserve “the independence, fairness, and legal standard of the ongoing review process.”
According to the statement, both the Inspectorate of Policing and the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency are aware of the situation and support the steps taken by the board. The board said the Inspector General has monitored developments and expressed satisfaction with the actions undertaken to investigate the allegations while maintaining organizational stability.
The statement also sought to clarify the roles of outside parties involved in the process.
Marshall Workplace Law has been retained to conduct what the board described as “an unbiased, evidence-based review of the workplace complaints,” while Johnstone & Johnstone LLP is serving as legal counsel to the board on matters related to the Police Services Act and Community Safety and Policing Act.
The board acknowledged historical and professional relationships among those involved, including Interim Chief Mike Federico, but said safeguards are in place to ensure the investigation remains independent of police operations and board advisory functions.
“This adherence to confidentiality and professional standards is standard procedure for any formal workplace investigation,” Ash said. “It is necessary to ensure an unbiased, comprehensive outcome. We greatly appreciate the community’s patience, understanding, and cooperation as our independent investigators complete their mandated review.”
