Although she returned to her position in April, Châteauguay Police Department Director Ginette Séguin is still not authorized to physically work at the police station on Maple Boulevard, several sources have told Le Soleil de Châteauguay. Police officers say they are being kept in the dark, while the city refuses to comment on the situation.
Translation Amanda Bennett
The city confirmed to Le Soleil de Châteauguay in May that Ms. Séguin had been back at work since April after a two-month absence due to an internal investigation. The details of this investigation were never disclosed.
However, a police source has informed the newspaper that to this day, seven months later, the director of the Police Department cannot go to the station or be in contact with the police. This information was corroborated by two other sources.
The City Remains Silent
“She is supposed to manage political issues and dictate strategic directions. We don’t know where she works from—is she teleworking from home? In another city office? We’re in the dark,” lamented the police officer, who requested anonymity as he is not authorized to speak to the media.
“The city will not be commenting on this matter and will not be answering any further questions,” said Audrey Jacques, the city’s head of communications, when asked about the matter.
The Châteauguay Police Brotherhood was equally tight-lipped with comment. “Investigations are underway. We are following these processes and do not want to interfere with them,” commented Mario Corbeil, President of the Brotherhood.
The police officers who spoke to the newspaper talked of a toxic climate within the police service over several months. Mr. Corbeil did not respond to our question on the subject.
As for the officer concerned, the newspaper tried in vain to reach her. We received an automatic e-mail response indicating that Ginette Séguin was absent between the 2 and 17 October.
The city restructured its police force at its April council meeting. Two deputy commanding officer positions, one permanent and one contractual, have been created. A third contract position of Deputy director of the police department has also been added.