Discreditable conduct

Two Charlottetown police officers demoted after a woman says she engaged in sexual activities with a 20-year police veteran in his police cruiser while he was on duty

Two Charlottetown police officers have been demoted following an internal investigation that concluded both are guilty of discreditable conduct and neglect of duty. The reductions in rank and fine will cost the officers more than $30,000 over the next year, according to Charlottetown Deputy Chief Brad MacConnell.

Both of the officers admitted to participating in the activities, which were not detailed in the statement from Charlottetown Police Services. However, in an exclusive report in The Guardian last week it was revealed that the investigation was focused on concerns brought forward by a woman who says she engaged in sexual activities with a 20-year police veteran in his police cruiser while he was on duty.

The woman said she was romantically involved with this police officer for the last 16 years and over this time met him regularly in semi-secluded spots around the city

“The police service considers these disciplinary defaults to be quite serious in nature and following the investigative process, disciplinary decisions have been rendered with respect to the allegations investigated.’’ Charlottetown Deputy Chief Brad MacConnell

in his police cruiser where they would have sex.

She also alleged there were times the pair was together when other officers on duty would call for backup over the radio, but the officer would ignore the calls to remain with her.

The woman also alleged she had sexual encounters with another police officer in his cruiser while he, too, was on duty prior to her relationship with the other officer. A professional standards investigation was opened under the provisions of the Charlottetown Police Services Code of Discipline as a result of information received in January.

The investigation revealed breaches of the code of discipline having occurred by two constables.

“The police service considers these disciplinary defaults to be quite serious in nature and following the investigative process, disciplinary decisions have been rendered with respect to the allegations investigated,’’ MacConnell said in a statement sent to The Guardian late Friday.

“As a result of the process, and given the nature of the allegations, the police service believes that it serves the public interest to release the information with respect to the outcome of the penalties prescribed.’’ However, MacConnell adds the police service will not be identifying the disciplined officers out of respect “of the individuals and extended families, including children that are involved.’’

The Guardian was unable to reach MacConnell for further details, such as the officers’ ranks before and after demotion.