Conduct

The Appellant faced one allegation under section 7.1 of the RCMP Code of Conduct for behaving in a manner that is likely to discredit the Force. The Appellant, a volunteer head coach for a lacrosse team, allegedly texted with a 16-year-old co-coach (Ms. X) for several weeks, with the aim of developing a sexual relationship with her. The Appellant contested the allegation.

The Conduct Board (Board) found that the allegation was established and ordered the Appellant to resign within 14 days or be dismissed from the Force. The Appellant appealed this decision.

On appeal, the Appellant argues that the Board’s decision was procedurally unfair as important contradictions in the evidence were not explained in the Board’s decision and was clearly unreasonable because the Board erred in finding two of the particulars were established; failed to accurately assess the respective credibility of the witnesses; and, imposed a disproportionate conduct measure.

The appeal was referred to the RCMP External Review Committee (ERC) for review. The ERC recommends dismissing this appeal and confirming the conduct measure imposed.

The adjudicator accepted the ERC recommendation after finding no manifest and determinative errors in the Board’s decision on the Allegation, or on the conduct measure. The adjudicator found the Board’s decision was supported by the record, did not contravene the principles of procedural fairness, was not based on an error of law and was not clearly unreasonable. The adjudicator dismissed the appeal and confirm the finding and the conduct measure imposed by the Board.