Former VicPD Analyst’s Discrimination Claims Set for Hearing

A former analyst for the Victoria Police Department (VicPD) has successfully moved her allegations of racism and discrimination to the Human Rights Commission for a formal hearing. Karendeep Saini, who worked as a research, policy, and audit analyst from 2017 to 2021, claims to have faced multiple incidents of racist behavior within the department, prompting her resignation in August 2021.

Saini identifies as South Asian and a person of colour and has detailed 11 incidents of alleged discrimination occurring between January 2018 and September 2021. In her submission, she asserts that the environment at VicPD was hostile and unsafe due to ongoing racist comments, and that leadership failed to address her concerns appropriately.

Allegations and Responses

According to Kathleen Smith, a member of the Tribunal, Saini’s claims include that she was subjected to repeated discriminatory comments and was treated as a problem rather than a victim by the department’s leadership. Saini also alleges that when she sought assistance from the Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board in 2021, they did not take appropriate action.

In response to her complaints, both VicPD and the Board have submitted a joint statement denying the allegations of discrimination. Additionally, VicPD filed a request to dismiss Saini’s claims, arguing that they were not filed within the one-year limit established by the Tribunal. However, the Board did not support this request for dismissal, indicating that they accept the timeliness of the allegations against them.

Despite the objections raised by VicPD, Smith ruled that a hearing will proceed. She cited several reasons for her decision, including the nature of the allegations being ongoing and the substantial similarities between the timely and late-filed claims. Smith noted that the gaps in time between the incidents were adequately explained, supporting the notion of a continuing contravention.

Specific Incidents of Concern

Among the 11 incidents outlined in Saini’s complaint, one particularly troubling allegation involves an officer who allegedly yelled at her, asserting that the Black Lives Matter movement is composed of “terrorists and gang members.” Saini reported this incident to her supervisor, yet claimed that no actions were taken in response.

Another incident involved Saini overhearing discussions among two constables and a staff sergeant regarding a controversial photograph of Justin Trudeau donning brownface. Saini reported that the officers expressed confusion over the significance of the photo, with one officer recalling a time they dressed as a Chinese person. After emailing the staff involved to articulate her concerns about such comments, Saini again reported the matter to her supervisor, only to feel that her complaints went unaddressed.

The case, titled Saini v. City of Victoria Police Department and another, will move forward with a hearing, allowing for a thorough examination of the allegations raised by the former analyst.

As this case progresses, it highlights ongoing concerns regarding workplace discrimination and the responsibilities of police departments to ensure a safe and equitable environment for all employees.