Delta police chief says transparency key as RCMP investigates complaint involving his wife

DELTA (NEWS 1130) — Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord is speaking out after his wife was apparently involved in a confrontation at the edge of their beachfront home earlier this month that ended with a woman being hosed down with water.

And Kiran Sidhu, the woman accusing the police chief’s wife of assault, hopes the incident will lead to changes within the police department.

The Delta Police Department received a complaint from a member of the public on June 7, alleging an assault by a woman who was later identified as Dubord’s wife.

“I feel that it is important that I speak directly to our community regarding an important matter,” Dubord says in a release. “I want to say unreservedly that the matter at hand in no way reflects the values and commitment to the community of the officers of the Delta Police Department, nor my own values.”

Dubord adds he has not been involved in the resulting investigation.

“I have confidence in the department that no matter who is involved, their commitment to integrity and to our community is the first priority. I understand that the investigation has been handed over to an independent police department, I believe that this is important to ensure that the community can remain confident that this matter is investigated thoroughly and acted upon properly.”

We are now hearing from @deltapolice
after the wife of Chief Neil Dubord was involved in an altercation outside the couple’s Centennial Beach home. @NEWS1130 pic.twitter.com/aWtOFzChyG

— Amanda Wawryk (@AmandaWawryk) June 29, 2020

Dubord says transparency and accountability are essential in maintaining and building trust with the community.

“Given the recent, meaningful, and important discourse taking place around systemic racism, discrimination, and violence in North America, I understand that transparency and trust are critically important – especially from those in the police department,” he adds.

“That is why I felt it is important for me to issue a public statement. As we look forward, it is my duty as chief of police and, indeed the responsibility of the entire department to continue our efforts to exemplify the excellence in policing that our community expects from us.”

Dubord’s wife, Lorraine Dubord, offered an apology on the weekend after a video surfaced of a reported altercation on the waterfront outside the couple’s Centennial Beach home.

RELATED: Delta police chief’s wife offers apology after Centennial Beach incident

The Delta Police Department investigated the complaint, but Sidhu wasn’t satisfied with the transparency of the investigation.

That led to an independent review by the Surrey Mounties, now underway.

“We take any and all complaints from the community very seriously. This incident is no exception,” says Deputy Chief Const. Norm Lipinski.

Lipinski says Dubord has recused himself from any involvement in the investigation.

“Further, a senior manager was assigned to oversee the investigation and to ensure that all proper procedures were followed,” Lipinski says. “This level of oversight is not standard practice, but I felt it was required given the nature of the matter.”

RELATED: Delta Police Board set to meet, address concerns over investigation into alleged assault by chief’s wife

“The Delta Police Department will have no involvement in that independent review,” Lipinski says.

The Delta Police Board has scheduled an open meeting on Tuesday at 9 a.m.

Sidhu hopes people ask some tough questions.

“Certainly, the Delta PD has certain practices in the way their structures are organized that need to be scrutinized and now is a good time for the public to find that,” she said in an interview.

“It’s a good point of entry to ask those questions.”

Sidhu said she’s taking part to offer what she calls truth and validity to the investigation.

Members of the community are encouraged to submit any questions or concerns they may have to media@deltapolice.ca.