The Nelson Police Board paid $38,115 in legal fees incurred by former constable Drew Turner when he was charged with assault and convicted in 2015.
Turner has agreed to repay part of that amount, but the amount of the reimbursement can’t be disclosed.
The legal fees were paid to Victoria lawyer John Green to represent Turner for both the trial and an investigation by the Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner for abuse of power. The police board and police operations are funded by the City of Nelson, so police expenses are ultimately the city’s.
Turner was convicted of assault for punching a Nelson woman unconscious while assisting in an arrest while off-duty in May 2014. He was sentenced to house arrest and he resigned from his job.
The collective agreement between the police board and the Nelson Police Association (the union representing police officers) states that the board may pay the legal fees of an officer accused of an offence, which in this case it did, in full.
The agreement also states the police board may attempt to recoup the fees from an accused officer after legal proceedings are completed and if the officer was found at fault.
In this case the board negotiated a partial recovery from Turner.
The police board stated in a news release this week that the portion that Turner repaid will not be made public because it is part of a confidential agreement between Turner the the board.
“This decision was not reached lightly,” said Mayor Deb Kozak, who is also the chair of the police board.
“The board considered the amount Mr. Turner offered, they got legal advice, and said they were satisfied and the matter was closed.”