Code of Conduct Hearing for Coquitlam RCMP Officers Nears End

UPDATE: The code of conduct hearing for three Coquitlam RCMP officers accused of sending disturbing racist, homophobic, and sexist messages is entering its final phase as lawyers present their closing arguments. The hearing, which began in February, has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about conduct within the police force.

The three officers—Ian Solven, Mersad Mesbah, and Philip Dick—are facing allegations of workplace harassment and discreditable conduct stemming from comments made in group chats. These allegations have been brought forth by a fellow officer who claims to be a victim of their remarks.

During a hearing session on Monday, the conduct authority’s lawyer argued there is significant evidence against Solven, asserting he engaged in workplace harassment and discreditable conduct between January 2019 and May 2021. They cited troubling messages sent by Solven, including a comment made while reviewing footage of a naked woman in a homeless shelter. The lawyer described Solven’s remark, “The dudes are going to five-team her later,” as “objectively deplorable.”

Additionally, the hearing revealed Solven made light of serious issues, such as a comment about breaching a complainant’s rights, stating, “I def broke that dude’s Charter yesterday. I made fun of him for five mins before giving him the Charter l-o-l.” He also referred to a sexual assault complainant derogatorily as a “dumb girl” and described his use of Conductive Energy Weapons as targeting “Unarmed Black man tasers.”

In contrast, Solven’s lawyer, John MacLaughlan, argued there was no proof the messages were disseminated within the broader workplace, emphasizing that witnesses testified Solven did not bully or harass the officer who lodged the complaint.

All three constables have been on paid leave since 2021. The hearing continues with final submissions for Dick scheduled for tomorrow, followed by Mesbah on Wednesday. The adjudicator is expected to deliver her decision on November 7, 2023.

As the hearing concludes, public attention remains focused on the implications for the RCMP and the necessary reforms to address systemic issues within the force. The urgency of the situation reflects a pressing need for accountability and change in policing practices across Canada.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.