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Kelowna's top cop retires suddenly; Abbotsford police investigating Kelowna detachment

Kelowna detachment being investigated by Abbotsford police who say they will follow the evidence, where ever it leads
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Kelowna's top cop unexpectedly retired this week amidst news that the Kelowna detachment is being investigated by an outside police force.

An Abbotsford police spokesperson confirmed the investigation in an email to Black Press.

"We were asked to conduct an independent investigation in early September," said Abbotsford police spokesperson Ian McDonald. "Our mandate was to look into a number of allegations relating to the detachment. As this is an ongoing investigation, I cannot discuss the details of it at this time. That said, we are committed to conducting a thorough investigation and following the evidence to whatever place it leads."

The reason behind Romanchuk's sudden retirement wasn't offered by the RCMP.

"Supt. Nick Romanchuk had taken time off since early September and he decided to retire from the RCMP on Monday Sept. 26, 2016," said Staff Sgt. Rob Vermeulen, the  Senior Media Relations Officer with BC RCMP.

"An interim Regional Detachment Commander, Insp. Brent Mundle, remains in place. We will be working with our local government partners on choosing the next Detachment Commander for Kelowna Regional Detachment."

Romanchuk took over the superintendent position in 2013, when Bill McKinnon stepped down.

Romanchuk has been in policing for 25 years.