Victoria Police Chief Frank Elsner.Victoria Police Department
Victoria's chief of police says he's "sorry and humiliated" after a police-board investigation found online messages he sent to another officer's wife were inappropriate.
Chief Frank Elsner took the Victoria Police Department's helm in January, 2014, after four years as chief of police in Sudbury.
But Barbara Desjardins, mayor of Esquimalt and head of the Victoria police board, said Sunday the board was notified about a concern involving the chief during the summer. Ms. Desjardins said she could not disclose who raised the concern, but the board hired a lawyer to investigate.
The mayor said the investigation wrapped up a couple of weeks ago and a report found the chief's use of direct Twitter messages to the officer's wife "was inappropriate."
The mayor said she could not disclose if the chief was disciplined, but said he will remain in his role with the board's "full confidence."
"Our chief has done some amazing things in the last two years," she said in an interview. "Yes, this was something that the chief admits he's ashamed of. But the board feels that within the report, the process, we've dealt with it and they feel that the good work that the chief has done … they're hopeful that that continues."
Chief Elsner, in a written statement, said he "should not have engaged in the direct messages in the first place and for that, I take complete responsibility."
"Our citizens place a significant amount of confidence and trust in their police service," he wrote. "As the leader of that organization, I need to conduct myself with the highest standards of integrity. I take full responsibility for my actions and I am truly sorry and humiliated."
The chief pledged to continue leading Victoria Police to the best of his ability, noting he had the police board's full support.
Ms. Desjardins said she was limited in what she could reveal, since the investigation was into a personnel matter. The Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board provides civilian oversight of the Victoria Police Department.
"It would be like somebody came to your boss and had a concern about you. If they went through an investigation and had findings, that wouldn't be disclosed to the world, and nor should it," the mayor said. "Personnel issues should be confidential."
Ms. Desjardins said the situation has been difficult for those involved.
"There are two families that are struggling in this. And, as well, our Victoria PD team and force have to come together. We have confidence in our chief that he will work hard to restore that," she said.
Chief Elsner's online biography says he has more than 30 years of policing experience, including time with the RCMP and Ontario Provincial Police.
He is married and has two daughters.