The Abbotsford Police Department (APD) has launched an investigation into allegations that its officers damaged the tents of homeless people and used pepper spray in areas where those tents were placed.
Const. Ian MacDonald said the allegations were made during a meeting last Wednesday of the Abbotsford Social Development Advisory Committee (ASDAC).
That meeting was held in response to the incident in which City of Abbotsford staff dumped chicken manure on a homeless camp on Gladys Avenue on June 4.
MacDonald said, at the ASDAC session, a representative with 5 and 2 Ministries passed on a complaint that had been relayed to him from some homeless people.
"Because we respect the work done by 5 and 2 … we weren't going to let that just sit there as an allegation without it being (looked into)," MacDonald said.
The APD's professional standards branch is now conducting an investigation into the matter, with oversight by the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner.
MacDonald said, if the allegations prove true, they could be considered an abuse of authority, and the officers involved could face disciplinary measures.
"We certainly don't advocate our staff to be damaging personal property," he said.
He said exceptions would include breaking down a window or door during an emergency situation.
"This is different .. The allegation is that we're going to willfully damage people's property in an effort to get them to disperse."
MacDonald said the difficulty is that no one has come forward to report the alleged incidents. Police hope that anyone with information calls the APD at 604-859-5225 or texts abbypd (222973).
In the case of a homeless person who likely won't have access to a phone, MacDonald suggests they come to the police department in person or ask someone to assist them.
He said it is unusual for police to conduct an investigation with no complainant.
"We were concerned enough that we feel it's necessary to do it."