The president of the Vancouver Police Union says a sexual assault case involving two Central Saanich Police Services officers was handled incorrectly.
In a letter obtained by Global News, Ralph Kaisers said the “tragic loss” of officer Matthew Ball followed statements that could have undermined “the presumption of innocence.”
Global News learned on Wednesday that one of the two Central Saanich Police Service officers charged with sexual assault died by suicide.
Police sources say Ball, 43, died by suicide Tuesday afternoon. He was released on bail on Monday.
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“The description of the allegations as ‘deeply corrosive to public trust’ prior to any trial or conviction not only prejudges the case but also casts a shadow over the entire law enforcement community, who are working diligently and with integrity to serve their communities,” Kaisers wrote.
“Although the intent may be to demonstrate accountability, such statements must be measured to avoid eroding confidence in our profession.”
Kaisers added that Ball’s …