A long-time officer with the Vancouver Police Department has been arrested for a number of sex-related charges.

Earlier this afternoon at a press conference, Chief Constable Adam Palmer announced that Crown Counsel has approved six criminal charges against Detective Constable James Fisher, including three counts of sexual exploitation, one charge of sexual assault, and one charge of breach of trust and obstruction of justice.

Fisher is a detective with the VPD’s counter-exploitation unit, and he has been a member of the force for 29 years. His arrest yesterday followed an investigation into criminal allegations – incidents that allegedly occurred from August 2015 to November 2016 – that were made towards him.

“I can tell you that information was received by the Vancouver Police Department in March 2016 that initiated an investigation into the actions of the officer,” said Palmer in a statement. “The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner was notified of the investigation immediately and was updated on the progress throughout.”

Fisher has since been released on bail with conditions and is scheduled to appear in Surrey court on January 24. As a result of the investigation, he has been suspended from duty.

“It is rare for a VPD officer to be charged with offences such as these, and it is not reflective of the other members of our police department,” continued Palmer. “There is no information to suggest that another officer was involved.”

“Every day, our officers are faced with very difficult and challenging situations. Our officers build strong relationships with the community, and they act with integrity, courage, compassion and respect.”

Long history with the VPD

Fisher was awarded last year the VPD’s Chief Constable’s Unit Citation for his work in dismantling and arresting those involved in a teenager human trafficking ring. After nearly four years of investigation, it led to the 2014 arrest of Reza Moazami, who was convicted for 30 counts of prostitution and sexual offences against 11 victims.

Later that year, he was also acknowledged by the provincial government for his work in the case as one of 19 British Columbians that contributed to community safety and crime prevention.

Prior to joining the counter-exploitation unit, he was the VPD’s criminal intelligence coordinator for organized Asian crime.