“I could literally write a book” – councillor releases excerpts of CPS harassment allegations

WARNING OF EXPLICIT LANGUAGE:

The allegations are shocking, from sexual harassment to intimidation.

While speaking to Calgary media Wednesday, Calgary Councillor Diane Colley-Urquhart released excerpts of allegations made to her by male and female police officers in confidence earlier this year.

It comes amidst the ongoing coverage of the now infamous 2013 report, which details such allegations and recommendations.

“I am the mother of a civilian member and I am writing, with my daughter’s knowledge, to let you know the harassment, bullying, fear and intimidation is not only felt by the sworn members but also, to an even greater extent by the civilians,” one letter said, adding she didn’t want her daughter’s name known for because of possible repercussions.”

The member says she was sent an explicit photo by an officer and harassing emails, with her husband (also an officer) telling him to stop.

After filing a complaint, she was eventually interviewed six months later.

“Honestly, I wish that I had never filed that complaint. The two sworn officers that interviewed made me feel horrible. They questioned me about the legitimacy and how trustworthy I was.”

Another officer said she was subjected to sexual harassment and bullying by an officer who told her he wanted to “hook up” after shift and that he did it to other female officers.

“I was told on multiple occasions by my direct supervisor that he wanted to f*** me sorry for the language. I worked in a hostile workplace where I didn’t have a partner, and was shunned by my teammates,” the excerpt said, adding she worked for a boss who refused to give her time off when her mother was having brain surgery.

A male officer described the organization as “institutionally corrupt” while another said there were tons of examples of bullying, criminal behaviour, abuse of power and nepotism.

“One particular favourite of certain mid-level or senior officer was ‘highway therapy’ where they would punish officers by forcing them to move to offices far away from their home,” it said. “Without going into unnecessary detail I could literally write a book about the events I know of, and have good friends and associates who have also left as they could no longer bare to be associated with such a dishonourable organization.”