Saint John’s police chief is seeking to join a legal battle initiated by nine officers who are challenging the dismissal of their complaints against him. Chief Robert Bruce, who has led the Saint John Police Force since July 2021, aims to have a say in the court proceedings despite not being directly involved at this stage.
The officers, represented by a provincial association advocating for municipal officers, have lodged complaints of “workplace harassment” against Chief Bruce. However, specific details of the allegations remain undisclosed as court documents containing the information are currently under seal.
The independent oversight bodies, the New Brunswick Police Commission and the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners, rejected seven of the complaints filed under the New Brunswick Police Act on grounds of being “frivolous, vexatious, or not made in good faith.” The remaining two complaints’ status has not been explicitly stated in the legal proceedings.
The Saint John board and the provincial commission are pushing for a publication ban and sealing order on the court documents, citing concerns that their release may erode public trust in law enforcement. Both entities are also seeking to have the case dismissed, arguing that the complainants lack the necessary legal standing to request a judicial review.
Prior reports have highlighted previous complaints about management within the Saint John force, indicating a toxic working environment. An advocacy group has called for a comprehensive investigation into the workplace conditions at the force, raising concerns about the impact of harassment allegations on front-line officers and their families.
With a significant number of officers currently on leave or modified duty, questions surrounding the complaints against Chief Bruce and the force’s operational status persist. Despite the ongoing legal and internal challenges, the broader issue of workplace culture within the Saint John Police Force remains a pressing concern that requires urgent attention.