The Chief of Police says it was a tweet that sparked his concern, but it was never his intention to have Jenny Wright resign or be removed from her position with the St. John’s Status of Women Council.
Chief Joe Boland says on August 1, 2018, Wright made a tweet saying “And for the love of all that’s holy, UNDERSTAND why positions of power like police are so attractive to abusers and listen to women’s groups”.
And for the love of all that’s holy, UNDERSTAND why positions of power like police are so attractive to abusers and listen to women’s groups.
More training
Repeat.
— Jenny Wright (@JenEWright) August 1, 2018
Boland says a number of officers were upset and hurt by the tweet and wanted a response from the Chief’s office.
He says it caused him concern because it undermined community trust in police. Boland wanted a one-on-one meeting with the board to find a way to rebuild the damaged relationship. He says he never got one.
Chief Boland explains exactly what his issue was with the tweet from Wright, and how it undermines community trust with the police, generalizing police and that the profession attracts abusers.
He reads the part he had an issue with. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/cHr9Mrs5g7
— Ben Murphy VOCM (@BenMurphyVOCM) October 23, 2019
The Chief says there was eventually a meeting with other groups including the Provincial Advisory Council—who also had concerns about Wright—and it was decided there that a letter would be written.
Boland says when he saw the letter, he was comfortable with it, and signed it. However, there was never any mention of calling for a resignation.
He says all he wanted was a meeting like he had asked for in August 2018, and that the letter was in no way looking for a resignation, discipline or termination. Boland says it was expressing the concern about a divide that had been created, and seeking to repair the damage that was done.
This is a copy of the letter that Chief Boland signed: @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/JYf34jJB1Y
— Ben Murphy VOCM (@BenMurphyVOCM) October 23, 2019
Boland says he expressed his concern to the board of the importance of public confidence in policing. However, he says Jenny Wright can speak to what happened in her meeting with the board, and why she left.
He says there was nothing in the letter, or any conversation with anyone that requested Wright step down, or leave her position.
Related Story
Former SJSOWC Director Responds Publicly to Letter, Accusations of Division
