The Victoria Police Board met Monday morning to discuss whether to continue employing and paying suspended VicPd Chief Frank Elsner -- but decided they need more information. In order to get it they are filing a writ to compel the Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner to share their files.
In 2015, the Police Complaint Commissioner ordered an external investigation following allegations that Elsner had exchanged inappropriate Twitter messages with a subordinate's wife.
Elsner hasn't worked since December 2015. He was officially suspended with pay in April last year after more allegations surfaced involving discreditable conduct and deceit. The board has been paying Elsner's $206-thousand salary, as well as legal costs ever since.
Last Thursday the Commissioner's office confirmed Elsner should face a disciplinary hearing on 8 of 11 allegations. The hearing must convene on or before April 25th, and the findings will be made public.
But the Police Board wants access to the OPPC files prior to that in order to make their decision, and finally bring the situation to a close.