Victoria Police Chief Frank Elsner 'deeply humilated' after reprimand for inappropriate tweets

Victoria's police chief is apologizing after admitting he exchanged inappropriate messages with a woman on Twitter.

Frank Elsner says he is "deeply humiliated" after the Victoria Police Board placed a formal reprimand on his record, the first in his 33 year career.

Elsner says he exchanged a series of private, direct messages with the woman who is not his wife.

'I should have done better'

"My actions certainly weren't to the standard I would expect of myself and I know I should have done better," he said

"This matter happened late spring, early summer and I was the one that stopped it before it became more ridiculous than it was."

"I saw that and told my wife about it and made sure that it was above board, because this was a personal matter, it was not a work-related matter, and however now it's turned into that."

The chief has not disclosed the woman's identity.

Elsner was sworn in as chief two years ago and since assuming command of the force has had a very active presence on social media.

The Victoria Police Board hired a lawyer to conduct an independent investigation after receiving a complaint about Elsner in September.

No breach of public trust

Board co-chair and Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins says the investigation found that there was no inappropriate relationship involving Elsner and there was no breach of the public's trust in the department, but that online messages did cross a line.

While the incident will go on Elsner's service record, the board voted Friday to keep him on as chief.

"I am hopeful that relationships will come back together in our police force," said Desjardins.

"Our chief has done a lot of good things along with the force behind him the last two years ... I would hate to see that disappear around this."

Elsner says he will speak to the members of his department and his family about the incident to try and repair any damage or loss of faith.

The Victoria Police Board's internal investigation report, and the co-chair's discipline decision is now with the Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner for review.

The office has the power to order its own investigation if it finds there is reason to think there are issues about public trust in the department.