GARDEN RIVER FIRST NATION, ON — The two most senior officers of the Anishinabek Police Service, including a former Rama First Nation police chief, have been suspended until the outcome of a disciplinary hearing.
The APS serves 20 First Nations including providing community-based policing on Christian Island.
Police Chief John W. Syrette and Deputy Chief Dave Whitlow are suspended with pay indefinitely.
Whitlow served as police chief for what was then known as the Mnjikaning Police Service; he was also actively involved with the Orillia Kings Junior B lacrosse program and was the team's general manager.
According to a statement released by APS board chair Jeffrey Jacobs, the suspensions were issued "following complaints regarding the conduct of certain members of the senior command."
The statement did not specify the nature of the allegations, but said the board had hired an external investigator after receiving the complaints.
A disciplinary hearing is expected to be held in the spring.
In the interim, Inspector Mark Lesage will serve as the acting police chief.
- TBNewswatch.com/Dougall Media
