The chief of the Saint John Police Force issued a statement Wednesday regarding allegations made against him by members of the force.
Robert Bruce said after becoming aware of complaints made by officers in July 2025, he fully co-operated with the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners, the New Brunswick Police Commission and the independent third-party investigator.
“The majority of the allegations were found to be vexatious, frivolous and not made in good faith and were dismissed,” Bruce said.
“For the few remaining allegations, I took full responsibility for any action the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners or the New Brunswick Police Commission deemed below the standard expected of the Saint John Police Chief through the informal resolution process under the Police Act.”
Bruce said he’s worked since becoming chief in 2021 to improve trust and confidence in the force.
“The workplace culture I inherited was not one that embraced change or innovation,” he said. “There has been much resistance, specifically from the Saint John Police Association executive, which seeks to maintain the status quo because it benefits them.”
Bruce said the association’s actions were disappointing and predictable, accusing them of using similar tactics and attempts to discredit previous chiefs, city employees and councillors.
“These attacks move us farther from the modern, responsive police force the residents of Saint John expect and deserve,” he said.
He also suggested the timing of the accusations was not a coincidence, as the police union and the City were in the middle of labour negotiations at the time.
Bruce said he would not make any other statements on the matter.
