Submitted by RCMP
A Squamish municipal employee working at the local RCMP detachment has been charged with theft.
In May 2011, it was determined that money collected for fingerprinting services at Squamish Detachment was not deposited at the bank. An investigation was ordered by the Officer in Charge of the Sea-to-Sky RCMP.
On February 3, 2012, 53-year-old Shelley Gatzke of Squamish, BC, was charged with Theft Under $5000.
Gatzke was a support worker for Client Services employees within the RCMP detachment. It is alleged the thefts occurred between January-May 2011.
“After a thorough investigation of this matter, Squamish detachment reviewed its cash handling process. We researched best practices and have now put in place new processes for handling, tracking and accounting for cash received,” says Staff Sergeant Guy Pollock, head of Squamish RCMP.
Gatzke no longer holds an RCMP security clearance, and is not allowed to access any non-public areas of any RCMP buildings, or any classified information.
She had been working at the Squamish RCMP for 27 years, Pollock said.
“It’s upsetting for all of us,” Pollock added.
Gatzke is scheduled to appear in court February 29.
District of Squamish is investigating the matter independently, as per CUPE regulations, said Christie Smith, the communication manager.
