The Windsor Police Services Board has asked for an external review of how a traffic citation against the acting deputy chief was handled.
The board met in-camera Friday afternoon to review the actions taken surrounding the ticket issued to Acting Deputy Chief Jason Crowley following a January 7 traffic stop in Amherstburg. In a statement provided to reporters following the meeting, the board found that proper procedures were followed.
"The WPSB is united in our belief that the Windsor Police Service followed all appropriate conflict-of-interest provisions and policies when reviewing and investigating the alleged infraction," read the statement. "It is important to note, that as a result of this internal investigation, a charge under the Highway Traffic Act has been laid and remains before the Court."
The board will now refer the matter to the Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC), a tribunal that handles oversight and provision of police services.
"To ensure the reputational integrity of all involved, the Board has decided to refer this matter to the OCPC for external review," read the statement. "We are confident that after a thorough review, it will be determined that Windsor Police Service and Board acted in full compliance with all applicable policies and procedures and will cooperate fully with any direction provided by the OCPC or external police service."
Crowley was pulled over in his personal vehicle while off-duty. He had been clocked going 110 kilometres per hour in a 70-kilometre-per-hour zone.
The incident was not made public until last weekend. Police reported at that time that the patrol officer initially let Crowley go, but the deputy chief soon told Chief Jason Bellaire what had happened and was issued a summons. Bellaire then referred the matter to the service's Professional Standards Branch.
The board will not comment further on this incident, as Crowley's charge must still be proven in court, and the matter will soon be before the OCPC.
---with files from Millar Hill