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February 14, 2013 - 8:07 AM
OTTAWA - The watchdog that oversees the RCMP says the police force must take "swift and effective action" on complaints of workplace harassment to restore the shaken confidence of both members and the public.
In a new report, the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP recommends fundamental changes to the way in which internal grievances about bullying and harassment are handled by the Mounties.
It calls for a more independent process, strict timelines for responding to accusations, and force-wide training on the issue.
The commission says its investigation did not point to a systemic problem of sexual harassment within the police force, despite intense publicity about difficulties and grievances.
However, the report released today says the simple perception of a pattern of poor treatment of employees is enough to rattle public confidence and tarnish the force's reputation.
Several female RCMP officers have come forward with complaints since Cpl. Catherine Galliford went public in 2011 with allegations of harassment, and male officers have also cited abusive behaviour and intimidation.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2013