‘Clear and convincing evidence’ Charlottetown cop violated code of conduct during drink spiking investigation
An investigation has discovered “clear and convincing proof” of misconduct by a Charlottetown police officer who was tasked with investigating an allegation of drink spiking, town’s chief of police says.
Nevertheless, Brad MacConnell mentioned the officer resigned in the course of the investigation course of so no self-discipline was handed out.
“I replicate on this case and I believe what was actually lacking was a scarcity of empathy and help for the sufferer and fairly frankly I do not assume the officer believed the sufferer on this case which is sort of unlucky,” MacConnell mentioned.
Police wouldn’t say precisely when or the place the incident passed off, solely that it was in downtown Charlottetown.
The particular person mentioned an officer with Charlottetown Police Companies did not examine their criticism that they been drugged at an area bar. The officer was additionally accused of utilizing language that humiliated them.
The particular person made a code-of-conduct criticism to P.E.I. Police Commissioner Cindy Wedge, leading to an investigation that concerned interviews with the complainant, the officer and others concerned.
‘Code of conduct’
“Law enforcement officials must observe a selected code of conduct and in different phrases, conduct their enterprise in a sure method,” Wedge mentioned. “The allegation was that the police officer concerned has failed to do this.”
MacConnell referred to as the scenario very disappointing and never reflective of the police pressure as an entire.
“I applaud this sufferer significantly for taking a stance and understanding when the response wasn’t adequate.”
The complainant’s preliminary report, that they got a drug with out their data, has since gone to the main crimes unit for investigation.
No fees from unique criticism
No fees have been laid.
Kinley Dowling, a P.E.I. musician and advocate for survivors of sexual assault, mentioned she was glad to see the code-of-conduct criticism investigated, although she wished the identical consideration was given to the drink spiking criticism.
She mentioned it is a possibility for the police to “do higher.”
“It actually exhibits like a necessity for a trauma-informed response from law enforcement officials,” she mentioned.
“I do know that that is a giant purpose why lots of people do not come ahead, as a result of they know the way they is perhaps handled… It may be simply as traumatic for those who’re not taken severely and for those who’re not believed and also you’re ridiculed.”
