LET’S FIX THE CPS CULTURE
It will be up to an external workplace investigator to determine the veracity of their complaints, but it’s encouraging to see 13 employees of the Calgary Police Service come forward with their reports of bullying and harassment. Every worker is entitled to perform their job in a respectful environment, and Calgarians have heard for months about allegations of a toxic workplace at the police service. It’s reported that females, in particular, have been poorly treated by their male colleagues and supervisors.
The group of offended employees includes Jen Magnus, also known as Jen Ward, who recently publicly resigned after 14 years of service as a constable. The workers, who have retained the services of the law firm Dunphy Best Blocksom, accuse the department of failing “to provide a safe environment for certain employees, which has resulted in years of workplace bullying and harassment.”
These are troubling accusations and it is important they are transparently dealt with. The department and the commission that oversees the police force have acknowledged there’s a problem and have crafted a seven-point plan aimed at ensuring gender equity. The achievement can’t come soon enough.
What’s especially troubling is the group’s belief that the department’s culture protects those who engage in abusive and harassing conduct. The accusation doesn’t mesh with the pronouncements of the department’s managers and members of the police commission, who have steadfastly insisted there’s no toleration of abuse.
“In certain cases, when targets expressed their concerns to superiors, they were advised that nothing would be done if a complaint is filed. The Calgary Police Association (the union) has also advised some of the employees that it will not take on ‘blue on blue’ grievances — leaving victims feeling that they have nowhere to turn,” says the group’s statement.
“Most victims do not report their concerns in any formal way for fear of retaliation and damage to their careers,” says Rachel West, the lead lawyer representing the group.
“However, a number of CPS employees are now making formal complaints directly to the chief in a concerted effort to push the CPS to make the changes that are desperately needed.”
The suggestion that the Calgary Police Association may be indifferent to employees’ concerns is disconcerting. The entire purpose of a union is to protect its members from abuse, whether it’s perpetuated by their employer, the people they serve or their workmates. It’s to be hoped the employees who have come forward with their grievances are successful in finally facilitating a change in culture at the police department.