Broadcast Time: 7am Date: March 11th, 2024
Original Media Release (19Feb24):
https://www.sarniapolice.ca/off-duty-sps-officer-faces-charges/
UPDATE – 11Mar24
The original investigation of this matter was conducted by members of the SPS due to it being reported and occurring within our jurisdiction. To ensure investigative integrity and public transparency, the SPS Chief of Police Derek Davis retained an outside police agency to independently review the SPS investigation. This investigative review confirmed that proper actions were taken by SPS investigators during the original reported incident. However, the review also revealed that reasonable grounds existed for a breach of release conditions that had occurred since then.
On the 10th of March 2024, Cst. Tim VanCowenberg was arrested by SPS on a charge of Breach of Recognizance. He was subsequently released on an Undertaking to his next scheduled court date (in the original matter).
Pursuant to the provisions of the Police Services Act (PSA), Chief Davis has directed that an additional concurrent internal investigation be conducted regarding this new charge.
Cst. VanCowenberg remains assigned to non-operational duties* pending the outcome of these proceedings.
*Non-operational duties means that the officer remains at work (not suspended at home with pay), but is assigned to administrative functions/duties within the police facility.