Vancouver police officer’s dismissal ordered over relationship with constable who died by suicide

By Sean Boynton Global News

Posted January 9, 2020 11:34 am

Updated January 9, 2020 1:17 pm

The family of a young Vancouver police constable who took her own life wants answers from the force, wondering if her mental health issues were compounded by her relationships with two senior officers. Global News

The Vancouver Police Department has been ordered to dismiss a senior officer over an inappropriate relationship with a young constable who later died by suicide.
An investigation ordered by the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (OPCC) revealed Sgt. Dave Van Patten entered into a relationship with Const. Nicole Chan while Van Patten was a human resources officer for the department.
Three allegations of discreditable conduct were found to be substantiated, leading to penalties against Van Patten that include an order he be dismissed from the VPD.

2:03 Vancouver police chief confirms investigation into officers

Vancouver police chief confirms investigation into officers

The order was announced by the OPCC on Thursday, but no final decision on Van Patten’s fate has been announced by the VPD.
“This is a serious and tragic matter,” deputy police complaint commissioner Andrea Spindler said in a statement, adding no other details could be released as proceedings are still underway under the Police Act.

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Chan came forward in 2017 with accusations of inappropriate relationships with two senior officers at a time when her sister said she was struggling with anxiety and depression.

READ MORE: Vancouver police chief confirms investigation into allegations from VPD officer who later died by suicide

After being put on stress leave for the second time following her speaking out, the nine-year veteran of the VPD took her own life in January 2019.
Van Patten remained with the force, but has since been suspended, the VPD confirmed Thursday.
In June 2019, Vancouver police Chief Adam Palmer said the OPCC was immediately called after Chan came forward. The OPCC then tasked the New Westminster Police Department with leading the investigation.
A report was written by then-chief constable Dave Jones, who issued his final decision on Jan. 2, 2020, after overseeing a disciplinary hearing for Van Patten.

2:11 Family of former VPD constable wants answers

Family of former VPD constable wants answers

The OPCC notes officers facing dismissal have an automatic right to request the decision be reviewed by a retired judge through a public hearing.
No public hearing has been set for Van Patten as of Thursday.
The second officer accused by Chan, Sgt. Greg McCullough, was given a 15-day suspension, in part for “entering into a relationship knowing Nicole was in a vulnerable state, mentally and emotionally.” He later resigned from the force.

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In an email, VPD spokesperson Const. Tania Visintin said the department “respects the OPCC process and the final outcome,” and remains in touch with Chan’s family.

READ MORE: VPD officer dies by suicide after filing report against 2 senior officers

“We continue to grieve the loss of Constable Chan and provide support to our membership as needed,” Visintin said.
In her own statement, Chan’s sister Jenn Chan said the family is satisfied with the order to dismiss Van Patten, but remains “deeply concerned” about the events leading up to Chan’s death.
“The termination of Sgt. Van Patten represents one step in our ongoing efforts to get justice for Nicole,” Jenn Chan said.
“More needs to be done to hold those who abused their power accountable and for Nicole’s friends and family, this issue is far from resolved.”
Global News has reached out to both accused officers for comment.
— With files from Rumina Daya