'Conscientious and professional': RNC chief says criticism of officer Joe Smyth unwarranted

The chief of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has delivered an unreserved endorsement of embattled Const. Joe Smyth, describing the officer who shot Donald Dunphy as conscientious and professional, and said the criticism against the officer is unwarranted.

• Const. Joe Smyth used 'appropriate force' to defend himself, investigators say

"In an organization with many selfless officers, he's often one of the first to step up and help vulnerable people in our community," Bill Janes told reporters Mondayfollowing the release of a series of reports into Dunphy'sshooting, including the RCMP investigation that determined Smyth used "appropriate force" to defend himself.

Smythshot and killed Dunphyduring at altercation at Dunphy'shome in Mitchells Brook on April 5, 2015.

Smythwas a member of then premier Paul Davis's security detail at the time, and went to the home to investigate a series of tweets by Dunphy that an official in the premier's office felt were threateningto government officials.

The two were alone in the home, and Smythtold investigators he fired four shotsafter Dunphyproduced a rifle.

The RCMPinvestigation found"there was no evidence at the scene that casts any shadow or doubt over the version of events offered by Const. Smyth," clearing him of any wrongdoing.

A serious incident response team from Alberta that reviewed theRCMPprobefound it to be thorough and unbiased.

The shooting has raised questions about why Smyth went to Dunphy's home alone on EasterSunday, driving the nearly 100 kilometres from RNC headquarters in St. John's to Mitchells Brook, St. Mary's Bay.

Based on all the information provided to me, I believe this criticism is unwarranted.- RNC Chief Bill Janes

Those and other questions are expected to be addressed during the upcoming commission of inquiry into the death, butJanesleft little doubt that he fully supportsSmyth.

"Based on all the information provided to me, I believe this criticism is unwarranted," Janes said of the scrutiny that Smythhas received.

Janeshas known Smyth for 15 years, and"I have known him to be conscientious and professional in all of his work."

Smyth, Dunphy called 'angry men'

Meanwhile, Janes had little to say about anotherreport, prepared by retired justice David Riche, repeating that "we have seen no evidence of any wrongdoing on the part of our officer."

Riche was brought in by the RCMP as an independent observer, and has been highly critical of the investigation and Smyth, describing him and Dunphy as "angry men."

In his report, Riche referenced an incident about a decade ago while Smyth was vacationing in the Caribbean.

Riche wrote that Smyth "went somewhat berserk" after being robbed and caused damage to four vehicles, and was later sanctioned by the RNC for "conduct unbecoming of an officer."

When questioned about this, Janes said personnel files are "some of the most confidential documents we have," but he earlier told reporters "I don't support any characterizations of Const. Smyth."

Janeswould not comment on any of the evidence, saying he would respect the upcoming inquiry intoDunphy'sdeath.

As for the decision bySmythto travel alone toDunphy'shome, Janes said RNC policies are constantly evolving and"the inquiry may have recommendations for us."