Sexual violence support organization backs VPD deputy chief amid union’s criticism

Vancouver police Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson announces charges against two Central Saanich police officers at a news conference on Dec. 17, 2024.

Warning: This story contains a reference to suicide.

A sexual violence support organization is standing behind one of the Vancouver Police Department’s deputy chiefs, after she was slammed for comments she made during a news conference announcing charges against two Central Saanich Police Service officers.

In a letter obtained by CTV News Vancouver Island, the Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre throws its support behind Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson and her approach to announcing the arrests.

Wilson came under fire after describing the allegations as “deeply corrosive to public trust” during a news conference on Dec. 17, 2024.

“We are deeply concerned by the Vancouver Police Union’s public criticism of Deputy Chief Wilson following her statements on this matter,” Salal’s board and leadership team wrote.

The criticism came in the form of a letter from Vancouver Police Union president Ralph Kaisers, which was leaked to reporters in the days following the news conference.

Kaisers' letter targeted an “overly charged” media release from Vancouver police, which Wilson read at the news conference.

“While the release addresses serious allegations, it goes beyond what is necessary to inform the public and veers into language that risks undermining the presumption of innocence,” Kaisers wrote.

“The description of the allegations as ‘deeply corrosive to public trust’ prior to any trial or conviction not only prejudges the case, but also casts a shadow over the entire law enforcement community.”

Central Saanich police officers Const. Ryan Johnston and Sgt. Matthew Ball are accused of sexually assaulting the same woman. Ball took his own life after he was released from custody.

• Read more: 2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault

Salal’s executive director Dalya Israel said Kaisers’ letter sends the wrong message to survivors of sexual violence, who are watching the case unfold.

“Our position is that nothing radical was said (by Wilson),” Israel said in an interview with CTV News.

“How do we hold systems accountable when we can’t speak the truth about them?”

The letter from Israel and her team emphasizes how transparency and accountability are crucial for building public trust in the police.

“Deputy Chief Wilson’s acknowledgment of the allegations as ‘deeply corrosive to the public trust’ reflects the truth and a necessary commitment to these principles,” the letter says.

“We are concerned that the union’s response may reflect underlying biases, particularly when a woman leader is subjected to public criticism for upholding ethical standards and advocating for accountability.”

The letter is addressed to Kaisers and Vancouver Police Board Chair Frank Chong. Neither the union nor the board provided comment on the letter.

CTV News also asked Wilson for comment. A department spokesperson declined on her behalf.

A Vancouver-based criminal lawyer stressed the need to protect the presumption of innocence without undermining the severity of sexual assault charges.

“By refocusing on the nature of the allegation, as opposed to focusing on the individuals who are facing the charges, that’s where that balance can properly be struck,” said lawyer Kyla Lee.

“The right tone, unfortunately, was not struck at the press conference.”

Still, she said, critiques of the tone should have been kept private.

“There is room for criticism when press conferences like this happen and when things are said that could be damaging to the process, but sharing the (union) letter publicly is not helpful. It discourages other people from wanting to come forward,” Lee said.

On that point, Lee and Salal’s leadership team agree.

“This sets a concerning precedent and may have significant impacts on police forces across the country, such as dissuading others within policing from bringing forward and addressing misconduct transparently and courageously,” Salal’s letter says.

Johnston is scheduled to appear in court in Victoria on Feb. 19.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, resources are available:

• Suicide Crisis Helpline (988)
• Victim Link B.C. (1-800-563-0808)
• Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566, or 45645 by text)
• Kids Help Phone [phone])