Belleville’s Police Services Board isn’t saying much about a human rights complaint filed against the city’s top cop.
A complaint was recently filed with the Office of the Independent Police Review Board Director, Gerry McNeilly against Chief Ron Gignac regarding comments allegedly made during an interview with a reporter for the Belleville Intelligencer.
Gignac was asked to react to a July court ruling about an illegal strip search conducted by Quinte West OPP.
According to an article published in the Intelligencer, Gignac is quoted as saying: “Somebody’s life is more important than a violation of the (Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms). I’m more concerned about the safety of a life than I am for a Charter violation. ”
Those were comments that didn’t sit well with a Belleville human rights advocate who filed the complaint about the chief’s conduct.
The police services board dealt with the complaint at Thursday’s meeting behind closed doors, sending a response back to the independent review panel. As for what was discussed, that remains unknown but the mayor, who also chairs the board showed frustration with the way complaints are dealt with.
“I’m not a fan of the process but I mean, that’s the way it is. Welcome to the police act and they’re in the process at the government level to making some adjustments and hopefully, that’s one of the things that they make an adjustment on,” said Mayor Taso Christopher.
The chief wasn’t present while the board discussed the complaint and he was reluctant to comment.
“I don’t have the details either. It’s something I haven’t been informed of yet. The board has not notified me either way as well,” said Gignac.
It’s unknown how long it will take for the complaint to be dealt with and what if any information will be made public.