If you live in Saint John, you expect your local police force to operate with professionalism and integrity. But newly unsealed court documents paint a troubling picture of the leadership under former police chief Robert Bruce.

Eight Saint John police officers recently abandoned their request for a judicial review of their dismissed conduct complaints against Bruce. The officers dropped the case because Bruce retired in July, making the legal challenge moot. The CBC recently reported on the estimated 1,000 pages of unsealed documents that detail claims of bullying, targeted harassment, and a toxic work environment.

Toxic Workplace Claims

Former superintendent Samantha McInnis filed the first complaint. She described Bruce’s behavior as toxic and tyrannical. McInnis claimed Bruce disparaged an officer injured in the line of duty. According to her complaint, Bruce said the injured officer got what was coming to him and thought he was a hero. McInnis resigned in February and is currently suing the Saint John board for breach of contract and retaliatory conduct.

Other officers shared similar experiences. Det. Const. Duane Squires alleged Bruce made demeaning comments about his weight. Squires claimed Bruce said he would walk right past an automated external defibrillator if Squires suffered a heart attack. Sgt. Stacy Humphrey, the union president, described Bruce as abusive and malicious. She stated his management style directly contributed to a breakdown in morale and mental health within the force.

Investigations and Dismissals

The Saint John Board of Police Commissioners and the New Brunswick Police Commission dismissed most of the complaints without an independent investigation. They cited reasons such as the complaints being frivolous, filed past the one year time limit, or falling outside the jurisdiction of the Police Act.

The board did hire investigator Allen Farrah to look into specific allegations made by McInnis and Humphrey. Farrah deemed all but two of McInnis’s eight allegations founded. He also confirmed Bruce referred to Humphrey as a moron. The board opted for an informal resolution for these founded complaints because the incidents occurred in private management meetings.

Legal Threats and Final Outcomes

After officers filed their complaints, Bruce’s lawyer sent letters warning them that the former chief considered legal action. The officers’ lawyer argued this was a blatant attempt to intimidate them and prevent others from coming forward.

Bruce previously stated he took full responsibility for any actions the board deemed below standard through the informal resolution process. He also claimed the complaints were union attacks. The union disputed this claim and noted two of the complainants were not union members.

Now that Bruce is no longer a police officer, he is not subject to the New Brunswick Police Act. The board and commission lost jurisdiction to investigate or impose sanctions. This reality prompted the remaining eight officers to drop their legal pursuit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the officers drop their complaints against Robert Bruce?

The officers dropped their request for a judicial review because Robert Bruce retired in July. His retirement means he is no longer subject to the New Brunswick Police Act, making further investigation or sanctions impossible.

What were the main allegations against the former police chief?

Nine officers filed complaints alleging targeted harassment, bullying, abuse of authority, and a toxic work environment. Specific claims included disparaging remarks about injured officers, demeaning comments about weight, and the use of slurs.

Did any investigation confirm these allegations?

Yes. An independent investigator looked into specific claims and found several of them to be founded. This included inappropriate comments made during private management meetings. The police board chose to handle these founded claims through an informal resolution process.

What happens next for the officers involved?

While the judicial review is abandoned, former superintendent Samantha McInnis is pursuing a separate lawsuit against the Saint John police board for breach of contract and retaliatory conduct. Some of the other complaining officers have since left the force.