Michael Smith, mayor of the District of West Vancouver and Chair of the West Vancouver Police Board, confirmed the retirement of Chief Constable Peter Lepine today.
“I thank Chief Constable Lepine for his 5 years of service to the West Vancouver Police Department, the citizens of West Vancouver, and his 35 years of service to policing in Canada,” says Smith. The Police Board will immediately commence a search for a new chief.
Recent media reports have been critical of morale at the WVPD, notes Smith, but the force provides excellent service to the citizens of West Vancouver.
“While it is clear there are important matters to deal with at the WVPD, the citizens of West Vancouver can be assured that the community has been, and continues to be, served well by the West Vancouver Police Department. We are proud of our 102-year-old force and, in surveys, the citizens of West Vancouver tell us that they are more than satisfied with the service they receive from the force. The men and women of our police force keep our community safe and perform at a consistently high level every day.”
Smith says that neither the Police Board nor the District of West Vancouver has any tolerance for racism, sexual innuendo, bullying, or backlash against whistleblowers.
“All our employees are to be treated respectfully and supported by their supervisors. The WVPD is taking quick and decisive action to address problems that they become aware of and will continue to investigate any allegations of improper behaviour. Our goal is always to make sure that our police force continues to provide the high level of service that our public expects.”
