Coquitlam mayor calls allegations of racism and harassment by RCMP officers ‘deeply troubling’

Accusations that three Coquitlam RCMP officers made racist, sexist and harassing comments need to be addressed, according to Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart.

Stewart discussed the issue at a recent council meeting, describing the allegations as offensive and deeply troubling.

“The behaviour that has been alleged is unacceptable,” he said, emphasizing the importance of trust between the police and the community.

“Any behaviour that undermines that trust must be addressed,” he said.

Consts. Philip Dick, Ian Solven, and Mersad Mesbah allegedly made the comments on the RCMP’s messaging system and a private group chat with 12 other officers in 2021.

A code of conduct hearing began in September after another constable filed an official complaint accusing the three officers of harassing him and other officer in person and online.

According to reporting by CityNews, the officer who filed the complaint said the officers made comments about Tasering unarmed black people and not wanting to help another officer because he was gay.

The three accused officers have been suspended since June 16, 2021, and the RCMP is seeking to terminate their employment, according to the court documents.

As part of the investigation, the RCMP obtained a warrant in April, 2022 to seize electronic data, including 4,427 messages from Signal, an encrypted app used for private group chat.

Discussing the matter in council chambers, Stewart said the alleged conduct was: “not only an affront to our community but it’s an affront to almost every RCMP member who took vows to treat folks with respect, to do their jobs diligently and with commitment and integrity.”

The allegations don’t reflect the integrity and professionalism we expect from the RCMP, Stewart stated.

Policing is a contracted city service. RCMP personnel matters are handled by the department.

Speaking to CBC, Public Safety Minister and Port Coquitlam MP Mike Farnworth said he was “absolutely disgusted” by the published comments. The RCMP will conduct a comprehensive investigation, Farnworth stated.