An Oak Bay police officer has been stripped of his rank after an external investigation substantiated serious allegations against him.
Substantiated allegations included misuse of intoxicants, discreditable conduct, corrupt practice and two counts of neglect of duty.
The Oak Bay Police Department says it was made aware of the allegation against then Sgt. Davindar Dalep in October 2020. The Office of the Public Complaints Commission was informed, and asked the Victoria Police Department to investigate the matter.
Dalep was assigned to administrative duties while the investigation was underway.
The VicPD concluded its investigation Feb. 2.
Based on its findings, Dalep has been demoted from sergeant to first class constable, according to a statement from the Oak Bay Police Department. He is not permitted to compete for promotion for one year and needs approval from the chief to compete for promotion.
Dalep has returned to operational duties as a constable under the supervision of a sergeant, the department said.
“I admit that I have made mistakes. I take full responsibility for them,” said Dalep, who joined the force in 1998 and was promoted to sergeant in 2017. “I now face disciplinary action for those mistakes. But I am not corrupt. I was co-operative and honest with investigators. I have learnt from my mistakes — that’s why I got my job back.”
