An Ottawa police constable is under investigation for allegedly sexually harassing a fellow officer during training earlier this year.
Const. Andre Hart is currently being reviewed by the Ontario Police Arbitration and Adjudication Commission, accused of workplace sexual harassment under the Community Safety and Policing Act.
Hart “made several inappropriate and sexualized comments toward the complainant” during use-of-force training, according to an Ottawa police request for adjudication.
“The comments caused the complainant discomfort and concern,” leading to an incident report submitted through the force’s safe workplace program, which triggered a professional standards unit investigation.
‘Expressed remorse’
During an interview with investigators about the incident, “[Hart] acknowledged making at least one inappropriate comment and expressed remorse,” continues the force’s request for adjudication.
Hart has served as a police officer in Ottawa for seven years after previously working with the Toronto Police Service for 13 years.
He remains on active duty with the mental health unit, according to the force.
A hearing date for him has not been set yet.
In a brief statement emailed Thursday, the officer’s union, the Ottawa Police Association (OPA), stated that it “will not be commenting on this matter as it is still proceeding through the disciplinary process. The OPA remains committed to supporting all members who have been impacted.”
An aerial view of the entrance to Ottawa Police Service headquarters at 474 Elgin St. in April. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)
Source link
