Mystery over top B.C. cop resignation unravels

As chief, Battershill had the ability to hire legal counsel to advise him on human resources issues, such as firing and dispute resolution, for the 222 people in his police force. He then took his recommendations, and legal opinion, to the police board for approval.

Battershill, who is married with children, admitted to the affair when asked by the RCMP during the course of its six-month investigation into his conduct, a source familiar with the investigation results has told the Times Colonist.

Investigators recommended Battershill be disciplined for the infraction. But he resigned Aug. 13, five days before a scheduled disciplinary hearing. Battershill and the Victoria Police Board signed a non-disclosure agreement about the circumstances of the resignation.

Battershill, who is married with children, admitted to the affair when asked by the RCMP during the course of its six-month investigation into his conduct, a source familiar with the investigation results has told the Times Colonist.

While the RCMP investigation failed to uncover any criminal acts or financial wrongdoing, Victoria Mayor Alan Lowe, who is chairman of the Victoria Police Board, said the board suffered a "loss of confidence" in Battershill as a result of the investigation, which is why it accepted his resignation.