Kelowna

Kelowna cop faces 2nd investigation

RCMP have confirmed a second investigation is underway concerning the conduct of Kelowna officer Geoff Mantler.



The Kelowna RCMP officer, suspended with pay pending conclusion of a separate criminal investigation, is also under internal investigation for a previous incident.



Cpl. Annie Linteau confirmed a complaint has been received by RCMP in connection with an incident involving Mantler and Jeremy Packer.



Packer was arrested in August of last year on the Bennett Bridge.



At the time of his arrest he was hauling a boat, claiming to be a repo-man.



He came forward this week claiming Mantler was the officer who punched him a number of times during the arrest.



"Allegations made by Mr. Packer in relation to Cst. Mantler are under investigation. That process is on-going," says Linteau.



"We received a complaint in November, 2010. The incident allegedly occurred in August, 2010."



Linteau says the internal RCMP investigation began back once the complaint was received in November.



Mantler is also the subject of a well publicized criminal investigation after he was caught on tape kicking Buddy Tavares in the face during the course of an arrest.



The Abbotsford Police Department indicated they would recommend charges be laid against Mantler after conducting an independent investigation.



Linteau says the two incidents are very different which is why the RCMP are conducting the first investigation.



"At this point we are only speaking about an internal RCMP investigation, as far as I know there is no on-going criminal investigation," says Linteau.



"In Mr. Tavares' case it was a criminal investigation that was initiated and it was that investigation that was investigated by the Abbotsford Police Department."



She says the video in the Tavares case was very compelling evidence while the allegations made by Packer have to be substantiated.



"They have to be investigated. Of course, receiving the complaint three months later certainly poses additional challenges in the investigation."



Linteau says she can't speculate as to when the internal investigation in Packer's allegations will be completed.



