Halifax Regional Police have called in the RCMP to investigate the disappearance of a large sum of money from the force’s social fund.
Police Chief Jean-Michel Blais says tens of thousands of dollars appears to be missing from the Dedication to Duty Fund.
Police were tipped off about possible discrepancies in the account on Monday. Investigators confirmed there were funds missing when the bank opened for business on Tuesday.
One officer has access to the account, along with a civilian.
“At this point, there has been no malfeasance by any employee of HRP or HRM,” says Blais. “Our concerns are with somebody who is not an employee with HRP or HRM, and it’s my hope that person will be met by the RCMP and will be able to provide further information in this case.”
Blais says the money is primarily used to pay for the annual Policeman’s Ball. He also says the account is funded by corporate donations, sales of police-themed clothing and tickets to the annual gala, and not by taxpayer dollars.
In conjunction with the criminal investigation by the RCMP, a financial audit of the fund will be conducted.
