Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Signal High) —– A Canadian police officer has pleaded guilty to two counts of discreditable conduct and will be demoted for eighteen months.
Ottawa Police Service Constable Charles Benoit entered a guilty plea in May. The allegations against him included “slapping the buttocks” of another officer, and making unwelcome comments. The adjudicator, retired Superintendent Lisa Taylor noted that Benoit’s role placed him in a position of trust and authority over the complainant. Benoit acknowledged that his comments were inappropriate, but claims they were meant in a joking manner. Taylor remarked that she found specific remarks made by Benoit “clearly sexualized and disrespectful towards [the subordinate/complainant], and her sexual identity.”
Taylor found that the conduct was “sexual harassment and electronic harassment,” which doesn’t really explain why Benoit wasn’t dismissed altogether. The Ottawa Police Service took opportunity to blather on about upholding their role with dignity and so on, but given the fact that Benoit is still employed by them, this writer doesn’t attribute any credibility to what the police have to say, and has declined to print their communique.
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