Winnipeg police say two of their own are facing significant criminal charges.
Police Chief Gene Bowers, alongside Cam Mackid, deputy chief of investigative services, spoke to media from police headquarters on Thursday.
An investigation that began last year into the conduct of a group of Winnipeg officers, including Const. Elston Bostock, led to charges in November.
Bostock, 48, was re-arrested on Wednesday, Mackid said, and now faces 18 charges in connection with a string of incidents.
The 22-year veteran of the police service is charged with a range of offences, including drug trafficking charges related to cocaine, amphetamine, psilocybin, MDMA, oxycodone, tramadol, and illicit cannabis.
He also faces a charge of indignity to human remains, knowingly distributing an intimate image, breaking and entering to commit extortion, theft, six counts of breach of trust, and three counts of obstruction of justice.
Police said the charges relate to actions allegedly taken by Bostock while he was both on-duty and off.
In addition to numerous drug transactions — which police say they learned details about after executing a search warrant on Bostock’s cell phone and a physical search of his home and locker at the east district station — he’s also accused of stealing ammunition from firearm training events, attempting to get traffic tickets voided, and leaking confidential information from police databases.
He also allegedly took an intimate photo of a dead woman with his cell phone, while investigating a sudden death, and distributed that photo electronically.
Bowers said police recently spoke with the family of the victim about this incident.
“We went and met with the family member two days ago and we wanted to apologize for the actions that took place and express our dismay at what occurred,” he said.
“If they want to have further conversations… we’re open to that.”
Also facing charges is Const. Vernon Strutinsky, 44, who police say was partnered with Bostock when they entered a residence without authorization to evict tenants, allegedly threatening tenants with arrest if they didn’t comply.
He’s charged with breaking and entering to commit extortion and breach of trust.
Strutinsky, a 15-year police veteran, was released on an undertaking while Bostock remains in custody.
Bowers said the police service is taking steps toward further accountability for its officers.
“Trust — you can’t just ask for it, you have to show it by actions,” he said.
“My message to the citizens of Winnipeg is, you can be reassured the majority of our members are doing the right thing, and they truly care about this community.”
Chief Bowers has sent a letter to Justice Minister Matt Wiebe asking for Manitoba to establish a uniform code of conduct for officers, and a publication requirement of disciplinary actions against officers.
“I mean it comes down to trust in individual officers and the police force and in the work they’re doing every single day,” Wiebe said. “We’re always developing new ways and new tools and new ways to hold officers accountable and to ensure that transparency exists.”