Fredericton police reopen probe of city 'financial irregularities'

Fredericton police have reopened an investigation into a theft complaint filed by the city after an internal review uncovered "financial irregularities" in one of its departments.

Earlier this week, Mayor Brad Woodside announced the city decided to withdraw its complaint after an employee resigned.

There was no service disruption or loss of revenue to the city, and there were a number of "very sensitive personnel issues" involved, Woodside had said, declining to elaborate.

But late Friday afternoon, Chief Leanne Fitch issued a statement, announcing the file has been reopened.

"As chief of police, I understand the decisions taken by senior city staff to handle this situation through a compassionate human resource approach and civil remedy, was done in good faith, and in consideration of the totality of the circumstances," said Fitch.

"I also understand from my independent review of the details of the investigative file this week, that there is also a need to satisfy the public interest, given that this complaint is related to public funds," she said.

Minutes later, the mayor also issued a statement, saying the chief's decision "in no way reflects negatively on the decisions made by the administration in their handling of this matter."

"I reiterate that they acted professionally and responsibly in a difficult situation, seeking to protect the public good while respecting their obligations as an employer," Woodside said.

Both the mayor and chief have declined further comment, citing the ongoing investigation.