Thunder Bay police suspend officer who is subject of professional standards investigation

The Thunder Bay Police Service announced Wednesday that one officer is suspended and four others have been assigned to administrative duties while allegations surrounding Facebook postings on Sept. 17-18 are examined.

As well, the service says Chief J.P. Levesque has made a formal request to the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) to take carriage of the investigation.

• Thunder Bay police officer's Facebook post prompts professional standards investigation

"We recognize the issues of trust and respect that this matter raises in regard to our relationship with Indigenous people. We will cooperate with the OIPRD's investigation to resolve this matter in the most efficient means possible," the police stated in the written release.

The request to the OIPRDwas made to ensure public confidence and transparency in this process, and to recognize the compelling public interest in this matter, police said.

The release said the primary comments are alleged to have been made from Cst. Robert Steudle's personal Facebook account and he is now suspended with pay.