You will soon be able to read the details of conduct complaints filed against Saint John Police Chief Robert Bruce. A judge dismissed a motion by the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners and the chief to permanently seal roughly 500 pages of court documents. According to a report from CBC News, these documents reveal the substance of complaints made by nine police officers.

The Public Interest in Policing

Court of King’s Bench Justice Kathryn Gregory ruled against keeping the files hidden. She stated that taxpayers have a massive investment in local law enforcement. Gregory wrote that the public holds a clear interest in police department operations because of the great powers granted to officers. She noted that police complaints are of concern and interest to the public even in the context of employment issues.

The Officers and the Allegations

Nine officers originally filed the complaints against Chief Bruce. The group includes Sgt. Andrew Belyea, Staff Sgt. Andrew MacBean, Const. Christopher Messer, Const. Donald Shannon, Const. Duane Squires, Const. Mary Gellatly, Insp. Samantha McInnis and Sgt. Stacy Humphrey. Const. Emily Hobbs withdrew her application after reaching a settlement. The Saint John board and the New Brunswick Police Commission previously dismissed these complaints. Chief Bruce stated in an affidavit that the board threw out the complaints because they considered them frivolous, vexatious or not made in good faith. The officers then requested a judicial review.

Media Pushback and Reputation

Media outlets challenged the sealing order to protect freedom of the press and the open court principle. Lawyers for the police board argued that releasing the documents damages the professional reputation of the chief and hurts public confidence in the force. Justice Gregory disagreed. She ruled that reputational concerns do not override the constitutional right to freedom of expression unless the information attacks personal dignity. She found no evidence that the documents fall into that private category. Gregory also emphasized that the complaints remain unproven allegations.

What Happens Next

You will not see the unredacted files immediately. The judge ordered the current sealing order to remain in place for two weeks. This gives officials time to redact sensitive information related to police operations, specialized equipment and informant identities. The Saint John board and the chief have seven days to file an appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who filed the complaints against the Saint John police chief?

Nine officers from the Saint John Police Force originally filed the conduct complaints. One officer later withdrew after reaching a settlement.

Why were the complaints initially dismissed?

The Saint John Board of Police Commissioners dismissed the complaints after determining they were frivolous, vexatious or not made in good faith.

When will the public see the documents?

Redacted copies of the documents will be available in two weeks unless the police board or the chief file a successful appeal.

Will all information be made public?

No. The judge ordered redactions for sensitive details regarding police operations, protective equipment and the identities of informants.