Vancouver Police Department (VPD) Detective Const. James Fisher has been arrested in Surrey and charged with three counts of sexual exploitation, one count of sexual assault, one count of breach of trust and one count of attempt to obstruct justice.
Fisher is a veteran officer who received the 2015 Chief Constable Unit Citation for extraordinary dedication for his part in the VPD’s Counter Exploitation Unit’s investigation into a child trafficking case.
Surrey RCMP declined comment, deferring to an announcement made Thursday afternoon by Vancouver Police Chief Adam Palmer.
Vancouver’s top cop said at the announcement the problem came to VPD attention in March and the investigation into Fisher just led to charges on Wednesday.
“I was upset… very troubling news,” Palmer told the press conference. “It’s a very unfortunate set of circumstances and it’s a very difficult thing for me to stand before you today.”
Fisher remained on duty during the months that the investigation took place.
“It was necessary to keep him on active duty while the investigation unfolded while we gathered evidence,” Palmer said. “We had safety plans in place to make sure nobody was in any danger whatsoever.”
Palmer noted Vancouver has a large and professional police force, and that the arrest is extremely unusual.
“This is not reflective of the other members of the Vancouver Police Department,” Palmer said.
Palmer said the victims include one juvenile and one adult.
He said he was unaware of any other victims, but urged anyone who feels they may have been victimized to come forward.
Fisher is scheduled to make an appearance in Surrey Provincial Court on Jan. 24.
