Editor:
It is an extraordinary measure that I speak to an issue that is yet to complete the course of due process.
However, there are times when information is so erroneous that it is incumbent upon me as Delta's police chief to correct and provide factual information.
The civil action initiated by the Ministry of Health has received widespread media coverage and public attention. In this recent notice of civil claim by the ministry, it is alleged (among other things) the Delta police destroyed and/ or lost evidence pertaining to the incident involving Garrett Burnett.
I take exception to the fact that an absolute untruth is left in the public domain bringing into question the integrity of the Delta police as an organization. I believe I owe it to our citizens to be open, forthcoming and straightforward.
All too often, being a regulated body, this becomes a challenge and legislation dictates what and when I can communicate on a given issue or investigation. But in this case it is a matter of principle and as such, I must not remain silent and allow the public's trust and confidence to waver because of an unanswered false assertion.
So, for the record, I need to clarify and confirm for the citizens of Delta that the evidence referred to, video surveillance footage and computer hard drive information, was seized by way of judicial authorization (a search warrant).
A compact disc initially provided by the establishment's staff was only a copy of a portion of the video surveillance. This copy was destroyed because the Delta police held the original evidence from the hard drive itself. This primary source evidence is still in existence, held and secured by the Delta police.
The judicial authorization to secure the primary source evidence was obtained several hours after the incident but the same day in which the incident occurred and is currently held as an exhibit.
I am cognizant and respectful of the pending civil matter so I have endeavoured to be brief and limit my comments to this irrefutable fact that will not be judged on the balance of probabilities as the other issues mentioned in the civil suit will be subject to.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the community for continued support of our officers, staff and volunteers as they work hard to maintain a safe community for us all.
Jim Cessford Chief Constable Delta Police Department
