Civilian oversight in the RCMP to investigate complaints of sexual harassment and bullying?
The end of 2018 was historic, Happy New Year
My dream came true. After years of speaking up about workplace sexual harassment and bullying.
In the Globe and Mail last night there was the an article announcing the RCMP will be having civilian oversight on complaints of sexual harassment and bullying. Never in my dreams did I dare to have hoped that this day would arrive.
As a retired RCMP officer who has experience with sexual harassment and bullying I know exactly why these changes are crucial for the integrity of the RCMP.
For years this is what I and others have been trying to encourage the RCMP to change the historical investigations into these serious complaints. How can you investigate your boss, your co-worker and your friends and be impartial?
I saw what happened when officers were investigating each other for sexual harassment complaints. It was terribly one sided and not addressing the perpetrators, in my case blaming the victim for not having a ‘sense of humor’. Calling your female co-worker ‘beaver’ and raison tits’ in the office is not funny. Pushing someone up against the wall, forcing a ‘kiss’ at a Christmas party is not funny, grabbing at a woman at social functions is not funny, sexual violence is not funny. I saw what happened to people, like me, who spoke up about bullying and abuse of power, immediate retribution. Not funny as the victim, not funny dealing with the stress, depression, failed relationships, financial strain, ruined careers, trauma, PTSD, and suicide. Not funny at all!
It is extremely difficult, if not for some, impossible to investigate their own. The pressure to ‘protect our own’, the workplace culture of ‘belonging to the boys club’ is deeply imbedded in the mindset. The results we have seen with victims spanning decades, suicides, lawsuits and recommendations from various government agencies.
This is a huge step forward.
I am excited as the changes, although are slow, are on the horizon for those who serve and the next generation of RCMP officers.
Everyone will have their own opinions on the announcement, some good, some more negative, and yet from my perspective this is a huge step for the RCMP, a huge change in the willingness in asking for outside help and for those reasons, I am excited.