VICTORIA - The Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board says an external investigation into the conduct of a disgraced former chief constable cost $811,000.

Frank Elsner resigned from the Victoria Police Department in 2017 amid an investigation into inappropriate social media messages sent to the wife of a subordinate officer.

The board also says Elsner was paid nearly $270,000 in salary and benefits after he was suspended in April 2016.

Police Complaint Commissioner Stan Lowe said in a report released last month that Elsner was "caught in a web of untruths" and committed eight acts of misconduct, including lying to investigators, encouraging a witness to make a false statement and having unwanted physical contact with two female officers.

The commission demoted Elsner to the rank of constable and dismissed him from policing.

Victoria Chief Const. Del Manak has said senior managers in the department will work with the police board and union leaders to identify and address all workplace issues that made Elsner's actions possible.