A former Fredericton police officer has been charged with perjury, among other offences, following an audit of his files and an external investigation by another police force.
The Fredericton Police Force says Andrew Savoy, 28, a former constable, was employed with the force from 2023 until he resigned in January. The alleged incidents took place during that period.
In addition to perjury, Savoy has been charged with uttering forged documents and breach of trust.
“The matter stemmed from an internal audit of Mr. Savoy’s files in which inconsistencies were identified by the Fredericton Police Force,” said police in a news release Tuesday.
They did not elaborate on the “inconsistencies” identified the files.
Police say they submitted a criminal complaint to the Miramichi Police Force, where the investigation was led by Deputy Chief Randy Hansen.
“Our investigators approached this file with the same diligence and objectivity applied to any criminal investigation,” said Hansen in a statement.
Fredericton police also referred the matter to the New Brunswick Police Commission to investigate under the New Brunswick Police Act. However, the commission could not investigate the matter since Savoy had already resigned.
“Mr. Savoy’s resignation resulted in a loss of jurisdiction for the Commission,” explained Fredericton police. “As a result, the Commission closed the Fredericton Police Force’s conduct complaint.”
No details about the findings of the investigation have been released at this time.
“The Fredericton Police Force is committed to transparency and accountability, and all individuals, current and past, are held to the same standard under the law,” said Chief Gary Forward. “We take all allegations involving our officers seriously and acted to ensure a thorough and independent investigation was completed.
“When we find criminality, especially in the police force, it is paramount that we communicate to let the public know that we’re taking these steps to ensure that any event that’s taking place within the organization is being dealt with swiftly and towards a logical outcome.”
Savoy is due to appear in court on Aug. 28.
With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Anna Mandin
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