Canadian Press

(Victoria)  A senior officer will be appointed to look into allegations
that city police were less than diligent in investigating two attacks on
prostitutes. Victoria police Chief Paul Battershill said he will appoint an
officer, whose rank will be nothing less than inspector, to check into the
criticism by a B.C. Supreme Court judge on Friday.

Justice Donna Martinson criticized Victoria police for their response to
the complaints and investigation. She made the comment while sentencing
Dale Robinson, who was convicted of aggravated sexual assault and assault
causing bodily harm. Justice Martinson sentenced Mr. Robinson to five
years, but fired shots at police over for their response, investigation and
arrest procedures.

The judge noted police failed to respond promptly to a 911 call from the
first recorded attack. And they failed to track Mr. Robinson down quickly
even after being provided with a licence plate and vehicle description.
Justice Martinson also said that, after the initial arrest, police released
Mr. Robinson without bringing him to court to consider whether conditions
should be imposed on him.

Chief Battershill said that he hadn't read the full text of Justice
Martinson's comments but had received a report from the prosecutor and
decided then to initiate the investigation. The chief said he wants the
investigator to look into whether Victoria police procedures and processes
were at fault and need to be improved. And the investigator will look
specifically at the Robinson case to determine if any professional fault
can be found.

Chief Battershill also said the results will be available to the public,
except for any personnel matters. He said he was gratified to see a
successful prosecution, but is concerned over what appears to be problems
in the department.

Mr. Robinson was charged after separate attacks on two women. The first
incident occurred on June 21, 2001, the other on July 25, 2001. In both
cases, Mr. Robinson, a trained boxer, picked up a prostitute and paid for
sex in his vehicle. But he grew angry when he had difficulty reaching
climax and he began choking the women. Both managed to escape when the
attacks were interrupted by bystanders or passersby.


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