Victoria Police officers charged with assault

There is more trouble for the Victoria Police Department.

Two officers have been charged with assault relating to an incident that occurred in October 2008

Victoria's Police Chief disciplined the officers, but they remain on the job.

/A\ News has learned the incident began in the 500 block of Yates Street on the morning of October 18 2008, when officers Brent Keleher and Ryan Young arrested two brothers for being intoxicated.

Court records show the brothers were not charged, but the officers are accused of assault; one incident allegedly in the police car on the way to cells, the other in police cells.

Graham ordered a criminal investigation but did not forward the file to crown counsel to see if charges were warranted.

The Office of BCs Police Complaint Commissioner says police departments have discretion on whether to forward charges and so does the Commissioner. In this case, the Commissioner took the rare step of forwarding the case to prosecutors.

The Victoria Police Department's treatment of prisoners has been under the microscope following several high profile incidents.

First, there was Thomas Mackay, a 24 year old college student who suffered a severe brain injury after his head hit the floor in cells.

Then there was Willow Kinloch, a 15 year old girl who was tethered for more than four hours while in custody.

In January 2009, Chief Graham revealed the incident involving officers Keleher and Young.

Graham also announced changes to the way his cells operate, appointing a full time sergeant to watch over the cells.

One of the supervisors was Sgt. George Chong who is also under investigation for assault for an incident that took place in the Victoria cells.

Keleher and Young are scheduled to make their first court appearance to face the charges on April 16th.

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