RNC investigating ‘historic’ allegations of sexual assault by RCMP doctor
The RNC child abuse and sexual assault section is investigating complaints from people in this province of sexual assault by a physician employed by the RCMP dating back to 1981.
The male physician — who media reports say is Dr. Donald Macleod Campbell of Nova Scotia — is already the subject of an investigation being carried out by Halifax Regional Police in relation to allegations of sexual assault by a physician conducting medical examinations on prospective RCMP candidates between 1981 and 2003.
Since that time, individuals from this province have come forward to the RNC with similar complaints.
Const. Geoff Higdon told The Telegram Friday that the individuals came forward in February, and the RNC established a major investigative team, “because we believe there are victims who haven’t come forward.”
He wouldn’t say how many people from this province are involved and wouldn’t discuss the nature of the sexual assaults.
“We want to make sure this investigation is done thoroughly,” Higdon said. “With potentially more victims, the team that’s been established can investigate them collectively.”
No charges have been laid and police say there is no reason to believe there is any risk to the public.
The Halifax investigation made national news earlier this year and already, the number of complaints filed with Halifax police has risen to more than 100. Campbell has been accused of inappropriate and unnecessary breast, gynecological and rectal examinations on RCMP members and recruits. Campbell, who was employed by the RCMP until 2003, has denied the allegations.
“When there’s a substantial amount of detail already in the media, it certainly presents challenges to investigators because a lot of specific details — which are normally known to police and victims — are already known to the public,” Higdon said.
“It certainly adds an extra layer of complication.”
The RNC is encouraging anyone who believes they were sexually assaulted by this doctor, or anybody who is a victim of any sexual assault, to report it to the RNC by calling 729-8000.