Four sexual assault allegations involve officers

WATERLOO REGION — The province’s Special Investigations Unit has launched an investigation into four allegations of sexual assault involving Waterloo Regional Police.

SIU spokesperson Monica Hudon said that since Jan. 1, the agency has started investigations into four separate cases involving sexual assault allegations.

Two of the incidents occurred more than 20 years ago — one in the early 1990s and the other in October 1994.

The other allegations involve incidents that occurred in September 2017 and November 2017.

Hudon said she could not comment on whether the incidents were linked to the pending class-action lawsuit against the police service on gender discrimination and harassment.

Police would not comment further on the allegations.

“Waterloo Regional Police Service takes these allegations seriously, and in situations where we have received information that meets the mandate of the SIU, we have notified them accordingly,” Insp. Mike Haffner said.

Earlier this month, when the police chief commented on the lawsuit, he said allegations of sexual assault must be reported to the SIU. He said those allegations had been passed on to the agency.

“All the allegations in the affidavits have been reviewed and, where appropriate, referrals have been made to the SIU,” he said.

The class-action suit is lead by Const. Angelina Rivers, former constable Sharon Zehr and retired superintendent Barry Zehr, who is married to Sharon Zehr.

The suit is on behalf of all female members of the service. Total damages being sought are $167 million.

The suit also includes allegations in signed affidavits by Sgt. Karin Eder, Sgt. Shelley Heinrich and former constable Vera MacKenzie.

The suit alleges that female officers were routinely harassed, mocked and bullied by male peers and colleagues. When they went to supervisors or their union, they felt dismissed, the suit alleges.

The allegations have not been tested in court.