Police discipline in British Columbia · the published record, 2010–2025
1,243 allegations · 727 cases · 15 municipal agencies · 576 adjudication documents · 2010–2025
How we decided which cases to flag, and the reason recorded for each one.
The OPCC does not use the term "gender-based violence". We flagged 107 allegations, across 70 cases, under four rules. The downloadable table carries one column per rule, so anyone can take a rule out and recount. Rules 1 and 2 cover conduct an officer committed, 92 allegations in 61 cases; rules 3 and 4 add the rest.
| Rule | Column | Allegations | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rule 1 · reviewed | is_gbv_reviewed | 90 | An AI model (Claude) read each published case description, blind to the OPCC's own labels, and flagged 110 allegations. A second pass, told to reject any flag it could and to judge only from the text, upheld 90. |
| Rule 2 · deference to the OPCC | is_gbv_deferred | 2 | Where the OPCC's own sub-label names sexualized conduct, the flag follows it. Both allegations entering this way are in file 2015-11048-03: the published text says only "unwanted physical contact", while the OPCC's sub-label reads "Sexualized Harassment/Touching/Comments". The OPCC's labeller saw the case file; we see only the published summary. |
| Rule 3 · added by hand | is_gbv_hand_added | 1 | File 2015-10560, Vancouver, where an officer had inappropriate contact with the woman whose sexual assault he was investigating. The strict review rejected it because the summary states no sexual conduct in terms, and the OPCC sub-label is the generic discredit heading. It is included by hand for the pattern of reaching her through police work. |
| Rule 4 · neglect of a report | is_gbv_neglect | 14 | An officer failing or mistreating a woman who reported domestic violence or sexual assault. Hand-coded with one evidence quote per row. A set counting only what officers commit leaves out the women they failed, so these cases are flagged too. |
counted by case
In the 62 cases holding an allegation an officer committed (rules 1 to 3; a case holding both kinds of allegation counts here), 20 of 62 ended in dismissal (32 %). In the 8 cases holding only neglect allegations (rule 4), none did. The 29 % on the front page averages these two groups; the columns in the data keep them apart.
Every allegation the flag marks rests on a passage of the published summary. The passages appear below, unaltered, grouped by case, newest first. Where a passage is thin evidence for the flag, you can see that here.
the member did not author the text messages, their distribution of the text messages which contained running commentary that was disrespectful of a victim of alleged sexual violence would likely discredit the reputation of the police force
The member made inappropriate sexual advances and comments toward a female member.
Upon request from the New Westminster Police Department (NWPD), the Commissioner ordered an investigation into the conduct of an NWPD member. It was reported that in 2017 the member made unwanted sexual advances toward a female member which included inappropriate sexual comments and touching. It was further reported that in 2018 and 2019, the member made unwanted sexual advances toward another female member. The Commissioner determined it was in the public interest that an external police agency conduct this investigation and designated an external Discipline Authority. The Commissioner directed the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) to conduct the investigation and appointed a senior member of the VPD as the Discipline Authority.The Police Act investigation was suspended pending the outcome of a criminal investigation into the conduct of the member. No charges were recommended at the conclusion of the criminal investigation.During the course of the Police Act investigation, it was further reported that the member had engaged in additional instances of inappropriate conduct, including sexual advances and comments, toward additional female employees. The member made inappropriate sexualized comments and/or advances toward two other members and a civilian employee. The Commissioner reviewed the outcome of the discipline proceeding and determined that a Review on the Record was necessary in the public interest as the disciplinary or corrective measure proposed by the Discipline Authority did not reflect the seriousness and circumstances of the misconduct. The Commissioner noted that the proposed disciplinary or corrective measures would potentially allow the member to re-enter the workplace, which could have the potential to bring the administration of police discipline into disrepute given the Discipline Authority had found the member used their rank, position, and seniority to facilitate a pattern of predatory behaviour.Accordingly, the Commissioner appointed Ms. Carol Baird Ellan, K.C., retired BC Provincial Court Judge, to act as an adjudicator and arrive at her own decision on disciplinary or corrective measures, based on the evidence.During the course of the Review on the Record, the member resigned from the NWPD.Adjudicator Baird Ellan noted that the misconduct in this case “might best be described as inappropriate sexual advances toward subordinates.” She further noted that discreditable conduct that meets the definition of workplace sexual harassment constitutes serious misconduct, and that three of the four recipients had experienced unwanted physical contact. Considering all the circumstances, Adjudicator Baird Ellan determined that no disciplinary or corrective measure short of dismissal would be appropriate in the circumstances. Adjudicator Baird Ellan found that the combination of incidents amounted to a pattern of predation by the member, that the member repeatedly violated the values they were expected to uphold as a superior officer, and that “confidence in the administration of police discipline would be irreparably damaged if…[the member] was permitted to resume his duties in any setting that placed him in proximity to female subordinate or colleagues.” Even though the member resigned before the conclusion of this matter, their Service Record of Discipline will reflect that they were dismissed from the NWPD. Disciplinary Process - Discipline ProceedingAt the conclusion of the investigation, the Discipline Authority found that the member committed two counts of misconduct. No prehearing conference was offered to the member and as a result, the matter proceeded to a discipline proceeding where the member admitted misconduct with respect to some of their interactions with one of the affected persons.The Discipline Authority found the allegations against the member were substantiated with respect to three members and one civilian employee. In arriving at the proposed disciplinary or corrective measure of reduction in rank, the Discipline Authority determined that the member’s actions were “very serious” and “predatory in nature”, that the member was in a position of authority, and that the affected persons were vulnerable relative to the member’s position.For further information on this decision, go to https://opcc.bc.ca/decisions/reviews-on-the-record/
The member entered the complainant’s residence without consent and initiated sexual contact without identifying themselves or obtaining the complainant’s consent.
The member engaged in a sexual relationship with a subordinate member that included going to her residence and having sex on-duty.
the member had lied to the female about their age and was verbally and emotionally abusive towards her
failed to properly secure, process, document, and account for a piece of evidence related to a criminal investigation involving intimate partner violence
“It must feel really nice to take your bra off after a shift.”
being in a position of trust or authority towards Person A, a young person, did for a sexual purpose touch directly the body of Person A on three occurrences
being in a position of trust or authority towards Person B, a young person, did for a sexual purpose touch the body of Person B
the member was convicted of Sexual Assault and received a one-year prison sentence
The former member’s Sexual Assault conviction and incarceration.
The former member’s deceit during the Criminal Code investigation and in the trial in Provincial Court
engaged in several instances of unwanted physical contact with a junior officer and directed sexualized comments toward that junior officer and a Special Municipal Constable
unwanted and unwelcome touching contrary to the B.C. Human Rights Code and by causing a detrimental effect on the work environment for a member of the opposite sex
The Special Municipal Constable took a video of themself on duty with a male prisoner in the background purportedly masturbating and shared it with work colleagues.
The member engaged in inappropriate sexualized conduct with Member C in front of co-workers.
The member wore a protective medical mask over the front of their pants, pushed against the back of a co-worker's chair, and posed for a picture during the incident.
a series of text messages to the complainant that the complainant found to be uncomfortable and suggestive
The member suggested to individuals that he had a suspicion early on that a young person had been untruthful about a report of sexual assault.
was, at the very least, reckless as to whether the complainant consented to the sexual act
The member used inappropriate language and commentary that was sexual in nature.
The member inappropriately touched the victim while out with colleagues at a social event at a licensed establishment.
Causing his former spouse to have reasonable grounds to fear that he would cause her personal injury when he uttered threats and assaulted her in March 2014
Upon request from the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), the OPCC ordered an investigation into the conduct of a VPD member. It was alleged that the member abused his former spouse and attempted to use his position as a VPD member for personal gain in communications relating to child custody. In addition, it was reported that the member suggested that his former spouse obtain a fraudulent doctor’s note to have marriage counselling fees paid for by a third party. The Police Act investigation was suspended pending the outcome of a criminal investigation. The matter was referred to the BC Prosecution Service and charges were approved; however, the criminal charges were later stayed. During the investigation, the member was dismissed in relation to another matter under the Police Act. Using his position of authority as a police officer to attempt to influence and/or gain personal advantage for matters relating to his personal life; namely the co-parenting of his child, which is unrelated to the performance of his duties as a police officer. At the conclusion of the investigation, the Discipline Authority found that the former member committed two counts of misconduct. No prehearing conference was offered to the former member and as a result, the matter proceeded to a discipline proceeding without the former member’s participation. The Discipline Authority determined that the former member’s actions were “serious” and “troubling” with respect to the assault and threatening of his former spouse, and that serious consequences were required to denounce the misconduct. In arriving at the appropriate disciplinary or corrective measures, the Discipline Authority noted that that the former member’s conduct of using his position as a police officer in communications with his former spouse and others was “calculated and designed to establish a power imbalance and/or intimidate” and was an extension of intimate partner violence in seeking to cause emotional and mental harm to his former spouse. The former member did not request a review of the disciplinary decision. The OPCC reviewed these findings and determined that further review was not required and that the discipline imposed was appropriate in the circumstances.
Upon request from the Oak Bay Police Department (OBPD), the OPCC ordered an investigation in relation to a member’s conduct that involved a former common-law partner of the member and included allegations of alcohol abuse both on and off-duty, abusive and intimidating behaviour to the partner and family members, erratic behaviour, an incident of physical violence, and the inappropriate use of a Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW). The Police Act investigation was suspended pending the outcome of a criminal investigation regarding the incident of physical violence. No criminal charge was filed against the member and the suspension of the Police Act investigation was lifted. The member was abusive and intimidating towards their partner and their family.
The member approached his former partner and attempted to engage her outside her residence despite her prior requests that he not have contact with her.
The member assaulted his estranged spouse.
The member placed GPS tracking devices on his estranged spouse's vehicle on two separate occasions.
The member followed his estranged spouse, subjected her to unwanted communications via texts, emails, notes, and telephone calls and entered her residence when she was not present.
The OPCC received a complaint describing concerns with a member of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) while off-duty and in the context of a relationship that included a physical assault. The OPCC reviewed the complaint and determined that an investigation into the incident was required. The Police Act investigation was suspended pending the outcome of a criminal investigation into the matter. No criminal charge was approved against the member. The member intentionally shattered the vehicle windshield while being driven by the complainant and assaulted the complainant on five occasions over several hours. A prehearing conference was offered and accepted by the member. The member agreed to the proposed discipline. After review, the Commissioner did not approve the disciplinary or corrective measures as they did not reflect the seriousness of the conduct. As a result, the matter proceeded to a Discipline Proceeding. The Discipline Authority (DA) found that the allegation was substantiated but only in relation to the breaking of the windshield. The DA imposed a suspension for six days and treatment. Following the outcome of a Discipline Proceeding, the Complainant requested a review of this decision. The Commissioner reviewed the outcome and determined that there was a reasonable basis to disagree with the DA as it did not appear appropriate weight was afforded to the evidence provided by the complainant and that the decision of the DA appeared to be lack in an understanding and consideration of the impact of trauma and the dynamics of intimate partner violence. The Commissioner appointed retired BC Provincial Court Judge, Brian Neal, K.C., to preside as an Adjudicator in these proceedings. Mr. Neal issued his decision where he determined that the allegation was substantiated. Mr. Neal found that “the member’s ability to honestly, objectively, consistently and forthrightly observe, recollect and report on the interactions with the Complainant raise[d] serious concerns as to the reliability and credibility of his evidence.” Mr. Neal ultimately determined that the officer committed Discreditable Conduct by shattering the front windshield of the vehicle and by repeatedly assaulting the Complainant. The member was dismissed from the VPD as a result. For further information on this decision, go to https://opcc.bc.ca/decisions/reviews-on-the-record/
Upon request from the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), the OPCC ordered an investigation into the off duty conduct of a member following a report that the member was arrested in another country for an alleged sexual assault of a female high school student in that country. The member was subsequently acquitted of any criminal offence. An investigation under the Police Act found that the officer committed misconduct in relation to their actions while abroad. The member did not take adequate steps or make adequate enquiries prior to engaging in sexual activity with a female high school student on a graduation trip to another country. At the conclusion of the investigation, the Discipline Authority (DA) found that the member’s conduct appeared to constitute Discreditable Conduct. No prehearing conference was offered to the member and as a result, the matter proceeded to a discipline proceeding where the Discipline Authority found the allegation to be substantiated. In arriving at a decision, the DA noted that the sexual activity occurred between consenting individuals and that one of the primary concerns with the member’s conduct was that the member failed to take “any reasonable steps to determine the age and/or status of the individual, as a high school student.” In arriving a decision on penalty, the DA noted that the seriousness of the member’s action must be reflected in the measures imposed and that any measures imposed must also work to educate and correct the member’s behaviour. The member did not request a review of the disciplinary decision. The OPCC reviewed the findings and determined that further review was not in the public interest.
The member made sexual, harassing and controlling comments to his partner numerous times over the course of their partnership together, between 2017 and 2019.
The member made unwanted advances and inappropriate communications toward another member.
failed to complete a thorough evidence based, risk focused investigation, failed in his duties to investigate intimate partner violence matters, and failed in his duty to ensure the safety of the Complainant
treated the complainant in an oppressive manner by using profane or insulting language that tended to demean or disrespect the complainant based on her sex
treated the Complainant in an oppressive manner by using profane or insulting language that tended to demean or disrespect the Complainant based on her sex during the exercise of his duties
The DA found that the member committed misconduct in relation to breaching the undertaking.
The member engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with a recruit.
The member neglected, to promptly and diligently supervise the investigation related to a report of sexual assault made by the complainant, which was their duty as a member to do.
the officer appeared to have repeatedly interrupted the complainant, and made admonishments to the complainant which reasonably could lead to one feeling that they were being blamed
repeatedly interrupted the complainant, and made admonishments to the complainant which reasonably could lead to one feeling that they were being blamed
During an off duty social gathering, the member inappropriately touched a female work colleague.
The member spoke to a female officer in a derogatory manner that contained sexual context, and referred to her in an inappropriate manner.:]},
The member made derogatory comments and used inappropriate sexual language to a female member.
Sergeant Van Patten committed Discreditable Conduct by entering into an inappropriate relationship with Constable Chan who was under his supervision
In the presence of their subordinate, repeatedly passing gas, making frivolous sexual offers, simulating sex acts, and making negative comments about the subordinate member to an RCMP member.
Upon request from the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), the Commissioner initiated an investigation into the conduct of two police officers for alleged workplace harassment. A female civilian employee reported numerous and repeated actions and statements that made her uncomfortable due to the derogatory nature of the comments and the sexual innuendo contained in these comments. It was also reported that the members made jokes and inappropriate comments about a personal matter involving the civilian employee. Making comments contrary to the VPD Respectful Workplace Policy and failing to maintain a respectful workplace. A prehearing conference was offered and accepted by the members. The Prehearing Conference Authority determined that neither member had a history of misconduct and that both had learned a lesson from this matter and would not repeat the behaviour. The OPCC reviewed the proposed disciplinary/corrective measures and determined that further review was not required and that the discipline imposed was appropriate in the circumstances.
Engaging in behaviour that resulted in injuries to a spouse and led to an arrest and charge for assault.
Completing a WorkSafe BC form with respect to an injury the member sustained, which included inappropriate sexual comments.
Not adhering to DPD policy related to domestic violence investigations.
Pinning the woman to the ground and attempting to kiss her without her consent.
Sexually touching the woman without her consent.
While off-duty, grabbing a woman’s buttocks on two occasions without her consent.
For pushing a woman at a party against a wall and grabbing her buttocks while trying to engage in a kiss.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) reported that they received reports from two female VPD members that another VPD member inappropriately touched them while off-duty and at a party with fellow co-workers. Further allegations were brought forward regarding additional unwanted advances and physical touching by this member. This conduct was investigated criminally by the New Westminster Police Department (NWPD). The BC Prosecution Service approved charges of sexual assault; however, a stay of proceedings was entered for the criminal charges. The investigation revealed that each of the physical contacts were initiated by the member, were sexual in nature, and non-consensual. They included occasions where the women told him to stop or instances where they had to remove themselves from the situation for the behaviour to cease. For inappropriately touching a woman at party while she was asleep and for continuing to touch her after she told him to stop. The matter proceeded to a discipline proceeding where the member denied each of the allegations he was facing. The Discipline Authority determined that allegations were not minor and were troubling as they were sexual in nature and were considered to be a “physical violation of each of the victims.” He also noted that the member did not appear to accept responsibility that he acted in a manner that was inappropriate. In arriving at his decision, the Discipline Authority noted “the growing trend within all workplaces, and within society in general, about the impact of inappropriate sexualized actions.” Upon review, the Police Complaint Commissioner determined that the Discipline Authority appropriately considered the aggravating and mitigating factors and determined that disciplinary measures imposed were both correct and appropriate with respect to the circumstances. The Commissioner concluded that a Public Hearing or Review on the Record was not necessary in the public interest noting that the member received the most severe penalty available under the Police Act and that the matter had been investigated criminally and reviewed by the BC Prosecution Service. Although the member resigned from the VPD during the course of these proceedings, the former’s member’s service record of discipline will reflect that he was dismissed from the police department. (Also See File 2018-15342).
The former Inspector sent text messages to the complainant of a sexual nature.
The former Inspector engaged in a conversation that was sexual in nature with the complainant.
did not use his department issued mobile device in a reasonable manner when he sent personal sexual text messages to the complainant
sent an inappropriate text message that insinuated a forced sexual act
he slapped the genital area of fellow male officers while in the workplace
Touching a female member on her buttock/crotch area without her consent, while off-duty.
Yelling out to the female member, "I haven't washed this hand since the party” while in public and in front of other members.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) reported that they received reports from two female VPD members that another VPD member inappropriately touched them while off-duty and at a party with fellow co-workers. Further allegations were brought forward regarding additional unwanted advances and physical touching by this member. This conduct was investigated criminally by the New Westminster Police Department (NWPD). The BC Prosecution Service approved charges of sexual assault; however, a stay of proceedings was entered for the criminal charges. The investigation revealed that each of the physical contacts were initiated by the member, were sexual in nature, and non-consensual. They included occasions where the women told him to stop or instances where they had to remove themselves from the situation for the behaviour to cease. For inappropriately touching a woman at a party without her consent. The matter proceeded to a discipline proceeding where the member denied each of the allegations he was facing. The Discipline Authority determined that allegations were not minor and were troubling as they were sexual in nature and were considered to be a “physical violation of each of the victims.” He also noted that the member did not appear to accept responsibility that he acted in a manner that was inappropriate. In arriving at his decision, the Discipline Authority noted “the growing trend within all workplaces, and within society in general, about the impact of inappropriate sexualized actions.” Upon review, the Police Complaint Commissioner determined that the Discipline Authority appropriately considered the aggravating and mitigating factors and determined that disciplinary measures imposed were both correct and appropriate with respect to the circumstances. The Commissioner concluded that a Public Hearing or Review on the Record was not necessary in the public interest noting that the member received the most severe penalty available under the Police Act and that the matter had been investigated criminally and reviewed by the BC Prosecution Service. Although the member resigned from the VPD during the course of these proceedings, the former’s member’s service record of discipline will reflect that he was dismissed from the police department. (Also See File 2018-14524).
used a personal cell phone to take a photograph of a male prisoner committing an indecent act in his jail cell and later showed the photograph to another jail guard and to the jail nurse
An internal investigation was initiated after four constables submitted complaints against their supervisor regarding ongoing incidents which included harassing and bullying behavior. These incidents occurred over a two-year period commencing in 2018. The supervisor was alleged to have made remarks that could be considered derogatory and degrading, and to have screamed and sworn at his members, all contrary to departmental policy. The Sergeant engaged in harassing/bullying behaviour toward Constable “C” by defacing his personal calendar by pasting derogatory, degrading homophobic and inappropriate sexual comments on each page contrary to departmental policy.
The police officer failed to conduct an adequate investigation into a report of a domestic assault.
The police officer sent and received sexual text messages and images to and from a victim of crime.
conducted an inadequate investigation into a complaint of sexual assault and robbery
counselled an alleged victim of a sexual assault to not report the incident to the police department
engaged in unwanted physical contact with Officer A
engaged in unwanted physical contact with Officer B
The (former) Chief Constable made inappropriate remarks of a sexual nature to Officer B.
The West Vancouver Police Department received information that a police officer had sent naked photos of himself to a West Vancouver Police Domestic Violence Unit client. The WVPD requested the Commissioner initiate an investigation into this matter. Due to the nature of the conduct reported, a criminal investigation was undertaken by an external police agency. As result, the Police Act investigation was suspended until the conclusion of the criminal investigation. Investigators determined that there was insufficient evidence to support a recommendation of Criminal Code charges. The police officer knew or ought to have known that engaging in a personal relationship with a vulnerable domestic violence unit client and the alleged victim in a harassment investigation that he assisted investigating would bring discredit to the department.
The police officer used departmental work cellphones and computers to send communications, including a naked photo of himself, to the vulnerable domestic violence unit client.
while on duty, pursued an inappropriate relationship with the complainant on a domestic dispute he had attended
while on duty, sent sexually explicit photographs and email messages to a female that he met on duty
used his department email account to send sexually explicit photographs and sexually explicit written communications to the female friend
used his position as a police officer to engage in inappropriate communications with the victim of an ongoing high risk domestic violence investigation
The police officer used his department email to send inappropriate email messages to the victim of the ongoing high risk domestic violence investigation.
engaged in inappropriate email communications, including sending a naked photo of himself and sexually explicit stories, to a female he met during a traffic stop
used his department email to send a sexually explicit photograph of himself and sexually explicit written communications to the female he met during a traffic stop
used his position as a police officer to pursue a personal relationship with a female who had reported being harassed by her estranged husband
used his department email to send inappropriate emails and text messages to the female who had reported being harassed by her estranged husband
used his department email to send inappropriate emails to the female he met during an impaired driving investigation
The police officer, while on duty, engaged in inappropriate email communications with a female after investigating her complaint of being followed.
used his department cell phone to send inappropriate text messages of a sexual nature to the female who had reported being followed
used his department email to send inappropriate emails to the female he met after issuing her with a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition
The police officer used his department email to receive naked photos of himself that he sent from his personal email.
a senior ranking police officer physically disciplined a special municipal constable by removing her hands from her pockets and also by smacking or slapping her on the buttocks at an official department event
contravened the department’s Respectful Workplace Policy, “Sexual Harassment”, by participating in making inappropriate comments towards one or more police members
during the meeting, the police officer touched the SMC in an inappropriate manner
gave a civilian employee a one armed hug and kissed her on the top of her head
had inappropriate contact with the female victim of a sexual assault that the police officer was investigating
attempted to use their position as a police officer to encourage the complainant to enter into a relationship and sent inappropriate sexual and pornographic texts messages to the complainant
sent sexually explicit photos and videos of themselves in police uniform and business attire to a member of the public
a police officer was involved in a domestic dispute with their partner. The police officer was charged with one count of assault
made inappropriate comments of a personal and sexual nature to another police officer
neglected to conduct reasonable follow-up investigative steps in relation to a sexual assault allegation
neglected to notify or attempt to notify the victim of an alleged sexual assault that the investigation was concluded and the reasons why
engaged in an argument with his girlfriend, while off-duty, that escalated into a domestic assault
involved in an inappropriate relationship with a female, while assigned as the primary investigator of a police file where the female was the complainant
The member made inappropriate and suggestive remarks to the Commissionaire.
inappropriately touched another officer with a sex toy he had located
The member then pursued a sexual relationship and proceeded to have sex with the Complainant's fiancée while on duty and in uniform
multiple encounters with female staff at a local restaurant that included unwanted physical contact, inappropriate comments and harassment
The officer distributed sexually explicit emails within and outside the department.