A Fredericton police officer has been suspended following an alleged impaired driving incident, bringing the total number of suspended Fredericton police officers to five.
Two officers are suspended after being charged with impaired driving while three others are off the job for a variety of reasons, including alleged misappropriation of funds belonging to the police association, and striking a pedestrian with a police cruiser.
No one from the Fredericton Police Force or the city would comment on the matter, but Fredericton Police Chief Leanne Fitch has scheduled a news conference for Thursday. Fitch is expected to deliver a statement regarding the recent suspensions, as well as issues of public trust and confidence.
Michael Boudreau, an associate professor of criminology at St. Thomas University, says the situation is likely taking a toll on morale among the rank and file.
“If for no other reason, it makes it difficult for them to trust their colleagues,” says Boudreau. “If they think their colleagues are going to break the law or are even capable of breaking the law, how can they trust them? How can they work with them in a productive way, to serve and protect the community?”
The Fredericton Police Force usually employs more than 100 officers and Boudreau warns the recent suspensions may make residents hesitant to report every incident.
“Once people fall into a habit of not reporting crime they keep doing so, and that’s not good for public safety.”
With files from CTV Atlantic's Andy Campbell
