‘Multiple allegations’ being investigated within Kelowna RCMP detachment

KELOWNA – The Abbotsford Police Department is investigating unspecified “multiple allegations” from within the confines of the Kelowna RCMP Detachment, just as the officer in charge of Kelowna detachment has resigned.

Abbotsford police spokesperson Const. Ian MacDonald confirmed the independent police department was called in on Labour Day long weekend to investigate, but he declined to be specific because the investigation is still unfolding.

"We have to be cautious in what we release because this is an ongoing investigation,” he said. “I don’t want to create any kind of influence on the investigation.”

When asked if he could clarify if the allegations involved the public or if it was internal to the detachment, he said: “I would suggest that it involves the detachment.”

Kelowna RCMP Supt. Nick Romanchuk has been off the job roughly since the investigation began. Yesterday, the RCMP confirmed he has retired and been replaced.

MacDonald would not specify if Romanchuk is a target of the investigation but said if charges are approved, identities will be made public.

It’s not unusual for independent police forces, in this case Abbotsford, to be called in to investigate allegations at RCMP detachments in the province to maintain objectivity.

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