Saint John police officer charged with falsifying police report

An officer with the Saint John Police Force has been charged in connection to providing a false report during an investigation.

In a release, the New Brunswick RCMP said it received a complaint from Public Prosecutions about the officer’s actions during an investigation on April 17 and 18 in Saint John.

Sgt. David Kimball of Quispamsis, N.B. was charged with falsifying a police report, obstruction of justice by providing a false report and breach of trust in connection with the duties of his office.

The charges were laid in Saint John Provincial Court on Monday and a summons was issued to the accused to appear on Dec. 8.

RCMP spokesperson Hans Ouellette would not say what the investigation in April was about, citing the upcoming court process.

“The details of that investigation are all going to be part of the ongoing court process and those details should be released during that court process,” he said.

The RCMP says the investigation is continuing.

Officer suspended with pay

In a release Monday afternoon, the Saint John Police Force said Kimball, a 23-year member of the force, has been suspended with pay, “pursuant to the provisions under the New Brunswick Police Act.”

It said once criminal court proceedings conclude, a Police Act investigation will follow.

“Public trust and confidence are paramount; the Saint John Police Force is committed to serving the citizens of Saint John with integrity and respect,” said Chief Robert Bruce in the release.

“Saint John Police officers are expected to hold themselves to a high moral and professional standard, remaining undeterred in the good work we do.”

Jim Hennessey, the spokesperson for the Saint John Police Force, also declined to say what the investigation on April 17 and 18 was about, saying that questions about the investigation should be directed to the RCMP.