B.C. police commissioner holds hearing on conduct of Saanich, B.C., officer

VICTORIA – The B.C. Police Complaints Commissioner has announced a hearing will be held for a Saanich police officer over allegations of deceit and abuse of authority.

The allegations stem from an arrest made by Const. David Smit during an incident dating back to May 2011.

It’s alleged Smit went to investigate a report of a domestic dispute and asked a man in the home to step outside so he could arrest him for being drunk in a public place.

The male complained, and when the officer’s supervisors questioned Smit he at first denied the allegations and then recanted.

Saanich police investigated and as a result suspended Smit for seven days and reduced his rank.

Smit then requested the public hearing, and police complaint commissioner Stan Lowe has agreed to the hearing saying witnesses and evidence will need to be heard.