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“Yes, Chief Chaffin was aware of these allegations that had been made against Supt. Parhar,” said Brookwell.

Brookwell said the police’s promotional process is complex and involves eight steps, including the consideration of either former discipline or pending discipline, which is weighed in totality against the rest of the person’s credentials.

“Against a very stellar career and significant contributions to the service, the chief was satisfied that the allegations that (Parhar) faced were not something that would preclude him from being considered for deputy chief,” Brookwell said.

“Subsequently, the chief did promote him.”

Today, as a deputy chief, Parhar is in charge of the Bureau of Specialized Investigations, an area responsible for organized crime, homicide, anti-corruption and intelligence.

Brookwell said the service wouldn’t promote someone who is facing significant jeopardy through discipline, and the chief stands by his decision to promote Parhar.

Brookwell wouldn’t reveal details surrounding the allegations against Parhar, stating the matter is before ASIRT and those details “form a pretty significant part of that investigation.”

The file continues to be in ASIRT’s queue and will be investigated at the watchdog’s earliest opportunity, Brookwell said.

“We will wait now for the outcome of the ASIRT review to see if there is any merit to those allegations,” he said.

“We’re just going to have to let the process play itself out, but certainly it wasn’t significant enough for the chief to be concerned.”

ASIRT could not be reached for comment on Wednesday and, when reached by telephone, Parhar said he couldn’t comment on the matter at this time.

AKlingbeil@postmedia.com